June 4, 2010
NZ pig farmers to adhere to EU's restriction of sow stalls
Pig farmers in New Zealand are gradually adjusting to the change in pig farming, as the EU has administered the restriction on the use of sow stalls.
The European Commission said farmers have had enough time to adapt to the new rules, which will see the use of sow stalls limited to four-weeks after mating by the end of 2012.
The rules are in line with a new welfare code proposed for pigs in New Zealand, which limits the use of sow stalls to four weeks from 2013, but with a complete phase-out by 2017.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is currently deciding on a final version of the code to recommend to the Minister of Agriculture by September this year.
New Zealand Pork Industry Board chief executive Sam McIvor said farmers in the EU have been echoing what farmers here have been saying, in that the change will be costly. But while farmers here are committed to meeting the new rules, he has heard that quite a few European countries are not ready.
But McIvor said the board's concerns really lie with New Zealand's main competitors, US and Canada, where there have been no moves to restrict pig farming practices.
He said it was unfair for New Zealand producers to face restrictions, but imported product with inferior welfare standards will not be facing the same restrictions. Approximately 30% of pork consumed in New Zealand is imported.
Pig farmers in Australia are not expected to face any restrictions until 2017, when the use of sow stalls will be limited.
