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Supermarket supports stalls phase out

Supermarket chain supports phase out of sow stalls

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green welcomed an announcement by the Coles’ supermarket chain to support the phase out of sow stalls used for raising pigs in Australia.

Mr Green said Coles has undertaken to start supplying sow-stall free pork from 2011 and intends to be completely sow-stall free by the end of 2014.

It follows the Tasmanian Government’s decision last month to lead the nation in phasing out sow stalls from 2014.

Mr Green said Coles’ announcement reflected community concern over the use of sow stalls.

“It also means that Tasmanian pork producers will have a sizeable captive market in which to sell their products in response to consumer demand,” Mr Green said.

“Coles’ decision to label products as sow stall-free will give producers a distinct competitive advantage and help open up opportunities and new markets for products.

“It is significant that moves to improve the welfare of production sows are being taken at a national level by a major supermarket chain.

“I would like to think that consumer demand will see other supermarket chains reviewing their policies on produce and animal welfare,” Mr Green said.

The restrictions on pregnant sows in Tasmania will take effect from 2014 and the routine use of dry sow stalls will be banned from 2017.

These moves would come into effect three years before the planned introduction of new national animal welfare regulations

This is designed to give producers the time to adjust to the changes, which will require more space, new equipment and different animal husbandry practices.