Danish pig producers seek to combine care for the environment and consideration for their neighbours with the management of efficient, modern pig production systems.

In their immediate surroundings, the pig producers strive to reduce emissions of ammonia and odour by using the most advanced technology available and by following strict Danish regulations governing this area. Permits are required from the authorities before new pig production units can be built or existing units expanded. In future, these will be situated away from environmentally vulnerable areas and operated with due consideration to possible odour impacts on neighbours.

Combating global warming

Danish pig farmers are also taking action to combat global warming, and, since 1992, have reduced emissions of greenhouse gases by 17 percent for each kg of pig meat produced.

The bulk transport of meat to customers, even to more distant export markets, contributes only minor emission of greenhouse gases per kg of pig meat delivered. The major part of emissions from pig production and distribution arises from feed production and usage, and Danish pig producers are among the most efficient in the world at utilising feed, thus minimising their impact on global warming.

The Danish pig producers have also set ambitious environmental goals for the years ahead: still lower greenhouse gas emissions, further improvements in the utilisation of slurry, and yet more advanced systems to reduce ammonia emissions and odour.