May 4, 2007

British pig association to focus on environmental strategy

The British Pig Executive (BPEX) has released a discussion document called "PIES" on understanding, developing and simplifying environmental strategy on swine rearing management.

PIES or Pig Industry Environment Strategy (PIES) is to acquaint pig producers on environment which has been a debatable issue among livestock producers.

BPEX's aims for PIES are the following:

• Fewer inspections, less red-tape
   
• Premiums for 'green' products, to help offset the cost of environment legislation
   
• Reduced energy and water costs
   
• Creation of an environment forum to work with the supply chain, government and regulators, to help deliver better regulation, better prices through the chain, and well-informed, happy customers
   
• A knowledge hub to keep producers informed and to help them get it right
   
• Proven delivery via quality assurance bolt-ons

BPEX chairman Stewart Houston said PIES will help "develop tools to manage the impacts of pig farming on the environment and demonstrate economic benefits from improved environmental performance and identify research needed to advance UK's environmental performance."

The Steering Group believes PIES can offer benefits to producers including better use of resources, reduced impact on the environment, greater awareness among stakeholders, better regulation and a more popular "greener" product.