News article, 28. February 2022
12 tools for sustainable development in the pig unit
A new catalogue is designed to inspire pig producers on sustainable development in their work with the environment, social responsibility and farm management.
The knowledge centre, SEGES Innovation, has prepared a new catalogue for pig producers, which is intended as a guideline for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting in primary pig production.
The incorporation of ESG on pig farms is growing concurrently with the transparency of food supply chains for Danish consumers. Studies show that consumers are demanding more information about environmental conditions, sustainability and social responsibility in their food buying. Although the relevance of ESG reporting is increasing in primary pig production, profitability is still important. For this reason, the 12 tools for more sustainable development in the pig unit have been adapted so that the producer’s ESG report is based on the tools that are relevant to the individual pig farm and its strategy.
Future requirements for ESG report on the pig farm
It is expected that within the next two to four years, pig producers will be required to report the status of, and planned activities for, their pig farms across the ESG landscape.
FACT BOX: Environmental, Social and Governance reporting
Environmental, Social and Governance work in primary pig production is summarised in an ESG report.
Read also: New Danish trial: regular slurry discharge can reduce the carbon footprint of Danish Production
12 tools for sustainable pig production
The 12 tools are:
- Slurry cooling
- Regular slurry discharge
- Acidification of pig slurry
- Climate optimised feed
- Increased productivity
- Health scheme to promote animal welfare
- Pig slurry for biogas
- Action plans for:
- Reduction of antibiotic consumption
- Reduction in piglet mortality
- Avoiding pig euthanisation
- Specific diseases and injuries
- Reduced need for tail docking
A catalogue which sets out these tools in detail also contains some good advice for getting started, case studies, side effects and financial impact.
Read also: More Danish consumers value animal welfare label
Read the catalogue for sustainable development in the pig unit: Tools for sustainable development in the pig housing unit
Read also: Pig industry signs up to new vision for Danish pig production