Progress for Freedom Foods
Freedom Food, an RSPCA-monitored scheme, has reportedly seen an upsurge in the number of pigs being reared under its welfare standards.
The scheme was launched in 1994, with the aim of improving the welfare standards of farmed animals. On the 19 April, it was announced that nearly a third of farmed pigs are now being reared under the scheme.
Over the last three years, the number of pigs being reared according to RSPCA welfare standards has risen by nearly 50 per cent, with around 948,000 more pigs reared under the scheme in 2012 compared to 2009. David Squair, chief executive of Freedom Food regards this as "great progress."
He added: "It is clear that British consumers remain firmly committed to farm animal welfare, despite the difficult economic climate.
"This news also really reinforces the fact that people really do have the power to bring about positive changes to farm animals' lives through what they buy at the supermarket and choose to buy in restaurants.
"The more people demand higher welfare, the more farmers will rear to higher welfare standards and the more animals will benefit from better lives."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
