EU Pig Welfare Revision Due in 2027 as Think Tank Publishes Cost Assessment

The European Institute for Animal Law & Policy has published a white paper assessing the cost of an EU-wide ban on farrowing crates, estimating it at EUR 1.11 billion. The European Commission is expected to revise EU pig welfare rules in 2027, with a potential transition from crates to pen systems. The paper suggests a ban on crates announced in 2028 with a ten-year transition period ending in 2038, covering 22 member states with approximately 7.28 million breeding sows.

The authors recommend free farrowing as the minimum standard for the EU, with a minimum space requirement of 6.6m² for the sow. They also suggest a capital support mechanism to offset the higher costs associated with transitioning from crates to pen systems. The paper highlights the need for legislation to specify a minimum usable area for the sow to ensure her welfare is not compromised. The potential financial support for farmers during the transition is a key consideration for the wider protein sector and the livestock industry.