The environmental impact and carbon footprint of English pig production are completely interwoven and the industry is seeking to begin to tackle both at the same time.
Two reports were launched yesterday(Wed) looking at the carbon footprint of pig production together with the sustainability of the industry.
They pose many challenges but the industry is already seeking and introducing
ways to tackle those challenges.
There is no magic bullet to solve all the problems in one fell swoop, the
answer will be 1000s of small improvements which will end up having a much
greater impact.
The first report is Scoping Life Cycle Assessment of Pork Production,
estimating the environmental impacts of pork production and identifying
opportunities for improvement.
The second is Pigs and the Environment, which looks at how BPEX can work to
enhance the environmental sustainability of pork production.
Like all economic activity, pork production causes environmental impacts;
these are primarily climate change, air pollution, water pollution and loss of
biodiversity. These impacts tend to be lower for pork products than for beef and
lamb, but higher than for poultry.
The launch was held at the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London, with
an audience including top civil servants, academics and senior industry
figures.
BPEX Head of Marketing Chris Lamb said: "The English pig industry has already
taken major steps to improve efficiency and, as a consequence, cut CO2 and other
environmental impacts.
"As the industry has a comparatively small number of producers, positive
changes are relatively easier to introduce and this has been part of the reason
for the excellent response.
"The pig industry is determined to participate fully in the environmental
debate and play its part in reducing GHG emissions.
"The launch of the two reports is only the start and we are looking forward
to tackling the challenges of engaging on this subject and cutting the
industry's impact on the environment."
For further information, please contact Jon Bullock or Helen Brothwell in the
BPEX Press Office on 02476 478811/478813.
Jon Bullock
Industry Communications Manager
BPEX
Tel: 0247 647 8811
Mob: 07775 884831
Email jon.bullock@bpex.org.uk
www.bpex.org.uk