The annual pig congress in Herning

Denmark’s pig sector’s 40th anniversary congress – update, review and investments in the green transition

On 22nd and 23rd October, the Danish pig industry met for the 40th year in a row to discuss developments across the industry. The assembled gathering was updated on the current issues affecting a sector that, like in many other countries in Europe, is subject to ups and downs that require adaptability. It was also emphasised that Denmark’s pig industry is constantly inventing and implementing new technologies to benefit agriculture, nature, the environment and climate. Such technologies have a vital role to play in establishing a framework for sustainable pig production of the future.  

The pig congress first opened its doors in 1984. This year, the congress attracted more than 2,000 participants. As well as a broad, industry-based programme and an overview of the sector, the event also reflected the special cohesiveness that characterises Danish pig production.  

Climate tools for a green transition and focus on generational change

The programme comprised more than 60 presentations and was well attended by over 2,000 people. As some of the presentations were in English, the congress also attracted visitors from abroad.

The themes addressed some of the issues that occupy both Danish pig producers and the slaughterhouses. As in many other countries in Europe, slaughtering in Denmark is declining and the European market is faced with many changes.

In Denmark, it is now a requirement for more pigs to have intact tails and for new farrowing pens to accommodate loose-housed sows. Moreover, Denmark and Danish pig production are facing a green transmission that has called for the drafting of a CO2e tax. Specifically, this means that producers will have to invest in carbon mitigation measures and, where necessary, build new housing systems to avoid having to pay a tax on CO2e emissions.   

Emissions from livestock digestion systems, manure management and storage will form the basis for calculating the carbon tax. There will be a baseline deduction of 60 per cent of the reference emissions from sows, piglets and finishers, which will enable climate-efficient livestock farms to avoid the tax. In 2030, a tax of DKK 300 per tonne CO2e will be introduced, rising to DKK 750 per tonne CO2e in 2035.  Adaptability involves in investing in sustainable solutions – carbon mitigation measures - that will significantly reduce a housing system’s carbon footprint.

The congress also paid tribute to the young farmers and individuals whose work makes a positive difference to the industry. Prizes were awarded to the 'pig production trainee of the year', for 'outstanding effort' and to the 'employee of the year'.

40 years of pig congresses in Denmark and an opportunity to look back on Danish pig production

For many of Denmark’s pig producers, October is synonymous with the annual pig congress.  This year marked a milestone in the traditional annual meeting for pig producers in Denmark. Anders Leegaard Riis, Head of the Secretariat at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Pig Sector, is proud that the industry has given the congress its unwavering support over the decades:  

"We tried to make this 40th year extra special by organising various initiatives. We’re delighted that, year after year, the pig congress has succeeded in attracting a broad audience to Herning in Jutland. This tells us that we have devised a professional programme that appeals to many people who work in the industry. We’re also aware that many people use the congress as a networking opportunity.”

Danish agriculture is known for its innovation and development and particularly for its cohesiveness. Since the heyday of the cooperative movement at the end of the 19th century, Denmark’s agriculture and food industry has strived to find solutions together and to develop the sector in the spirit of the cooperative movement. Basically, the movement is founded upon small businesses or individuals joining forces to buy, produce and distribute goods more cheaply, i.e. by sharing the same machinery or means of transport. This is also characteristic of pig production. So, when the Danish pig sector gets together every year to discuss the ups and downs, take stock of the current situation and to learn about new projects and innovations, they do so with a common spirit, a desire for unity and to create a sustainable future for the industry.”