My Department, through funding and expertise, provides support for the ‘Project for High Welfare Standards for Pigs’ and has established a working group to oversee the continued progress of the project. Project coordination and management are led by Muca Eireann and Pigs Ireland in collaboration with my Department and in partnership with RSPCA Assured, pilot scheme pig farmers, Teagasc, Farmed Animal Welfare Advisory Council, Veterinary Ireland, UCD Veterinary School, the IFA, pig farming communities and industry stakeholders. The project aims to encourage pig welfare in the non-intensive outdoor and intensive sectors to fully comply with RSPCA welfare standards. The RSPCA have committed a significant level of expertise and resources to this project.
Successful implementation of this project is expected to significantly improve the lives of many pigs nationally, the mental health and well-being of Irish pig farmers, provide choice for the consumer and a unique selling point for the retailers. The development of this project will be an important part of my Department’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, which I expect to launch in the coming weeks. The project is due to run for five years.
Greenhouse gas emissions from pigs account for approximately 3% of the National total emissions from agriculture.