Denmark sets new targets for pigs with intact tails

The goal is to produce 4 million Danish pigs with intact tails in 2028. A special scheme and compensation for pig producers is starting, and already in 2026, 1 million pigs with intact tails will be produced.

The project is both part of the industry's Vision 2050 and included in the new animal welfare package "Together for the Animals" from last year, which is supported by the grand majority of the Danish Parliament.

The Agriculture & Food Sector for Pigs is opening a process where farmers can indicate the additional price it will cost to produce pigs with intact tails. The scheme will run for three years starting January 1, 2026. Danish sow farmers can already submit a bid and thus be considered for compensation. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2025. Farmers can seek compensation for measures not already a legal requirement that can prevent or reduce the risk of tail biting in the herd.

In the summer of 2024, the EU Commission approved an additional levy to the Pig Levy Fund on all pigs produced in Denmark. The proceeds from this levy will then be used to compensate pig producers who are prepared to produce pigs with intact tails.

Pig producers who are compensated will also receive an additional DANISH inspection visit (the industry's independent quality standard) to ensure they are off to a good start with intact tails.