AHDB, pig producers and industry organisations have established the Outdoor Pig Environmental Risk Reduction Programme, a new stakeholder group aimed at addressing environmental challenges associated with outdoor pig production in the East of England.
The initiative formalises and expands the remit of the existing “Swaffham group”. Its first meeting under the new structure was held in September and brought together representatives from major pork businesses, the National Pig Association (NPA) and AHDB.
A key objective will be to develop practical evidence and information that can support discussions with government agencies and policymakers. According to AHDB, the programme is intended to help producers respond to emerging environmental requirements while ensuring that the pig industry's experience is taken into account.
The group will also seek to strengthen engagement with organisations including the Environment Agency and Natural England. Further meetings are planned, alongside the development of briefing materials, training proposals and practical templates for the sector.
The initiative builds on work that began in 2016 under what was known as the Swaffham project. It was originally established following an increase in incidents associated with outdoor pig production and concerns about their potential effects on surface and groundwater sources.
Since then, producers and stakeholders involved in water management have worked together to identify ways of reducing the environmental impact of outdoor pig farming. Issues previously addressed include the integration of outdoor pig units into arable rotations, emerging environmental schemes, and the use of grass swards and cover crops.
5 October 2026/ AHDB/ United Kingdom.
https://ahdb.org.uk
