A new strategy from the Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DAFC), Pig Production, is all about future-proofing production in Denmark and maintaining its good reputation abroad.
DAFC reported that the strategy focuses on food safety, traceability, sustainability and animal welfare, Danish pig producers will set their own direction, make whatever adjustments are necessary and pro-actively address any issues that arise. Drawing on new initiatives, the sector wishes to raise the bar and continue to develop pig welfare in housing units.
Erik Larsen, chairman, Danish Agriculture and Food Council Pig Production, said the sector will use the insight that has been gained from farms during audit visits to a much greater extent: all with the aim of improving animal welfare.
More than 3,000 audits are carried out under the auspices of the DANISH scheme every year; the Danish pig producers’ own quality programme.
Mr Larsen said: “We need to disseminate ’best practice’ so that all producers ensure that their animals are treated in the right way. The vast majority are doing well and are drawing on the latest knowledge, adopting new initiatives and new technology to ensure the best conditions. We now need to make sure that this is the case with all our producers.
“We’re extremely proud of being among the best in the world, and you won’t find one single pig producer who would disagree with me.”