UK pig industry leading the way

Pork has recently been overtaken by chicken as the most eaten meat protein globally. But, as Pork Sector Council member Hugh Crabtree explains, pork has the potential to be the most emissions-friendly meat protein.

How often have we wondered whether the environment will be a bigger driver of consumer choice than welfare?

The UK pig industry has a strong track record of innovation and collaboration. Examples of the sector working together include eAML2 (movement licencing), eMB (medicine book) and the current approach to future farrowing systems.

The sector has long taken its environmental impact seriously, with several life cycle assessments (LCA) undertaken to assess pig production.

Today, there is renewed focus on the environment and AHDB has facilitated a new industry body – the Roadmap Steering Group (RSG) – to meet the challenge. Its objective is to update pork levy payers on the environmental impact of pig farming by putting a roadmap in place by the end of the year.

The steering group includes integrators, producers, industry bodies, an independent consultant and Red Tractor. The sharing of knowledge, resources and research has already been exemplary.

Why do we need a roadmap?

Simple – customers and consumers expect it. Our competitors are on the case, challenging us for market share, so we must have a credible, robust story.

The steering group is helping create it, starting with a new LCA using established data and AHDB’s Environmental Baselining Pilot.

Where improvements can be made, they will be identified – helping pork become the low-impact protein of choice.