Pig World editor, Alistair Driver was interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 programme, Farming Today about the Co-op’s decision to shift to 100% outdoor bred British pork from July.
Interviewed by presenter Anna Hill, Alistair explained that the pigs will all be born outside and then finished indoors in straw bedded spacious barns according to RSPCA standards.
He also pointed out that while this will obviously mean a premium paid to farmers it will not affect retail prices, suggesting the retail chain is prepared to absorb the cost in its margins.
Alistair also pointed out that high welfare standards come in many forms and, while the UK pig sector offers unique diversity in its systems of production, indoor bred pork can also be subject to high welfare standards.
You can listen to the interview here
