January 19, 2010

Dutch retailer shifts away from selling conventional pork

Albert Heijn, the Netherlands' major retailer, has announced to quit in 2011 selling conventional pork and will only sell pork which is produced in accordance with animal welfare guidelines.

This pork will be marketed and distributed using the 'Better Life' brand, which is set up according to requirements of the Dutch animal welfare organisation Dierenbescherming. This agreement was made between the retailer and Vion, the Netherlands' major meat processor.

Apart from allowing the pigs more space to move around (a minimum of 1 square metre per pig), the new standard also implies that male pigs will not be castrated and that maximum transport times will be introduced.

Annechien ten Have, chairperson of the section pig production of the Dutch Agri- & Horticultural Organisation (LTO), on behalf of the producers, said, "This way we are not only working on sustainability and a better animal welfare, but the necessary link is made from the producers to the market," Ten Have emphasised.

Dutch agricultural minister Gerda Verburg greatly respected the retailer's decision. Last year, the minister launched an initiative to present a larger supply more sustainably produced meat on the Dutch market. In May last year, a convenant was agreed on in the market to move further towards that goal.