Barriers and facilitators of adoption of alternative pig farming systems on the island of Ireland

In Ireland, the majority of pig production occurs within conventional indoor systems. However, interest in alternative pigs farming systems is increasing across Europe and further afield, in response to concerns around consumer preferences, sustainability, animal welfare, and human health. Theoretical frameworks from the social sciences can be used to understand human behaviour in relation to animal welfare. Utilising a theory-informed approach, the aim of this research was to gather and interpret information on the barriers to, and facilitators of, high welfare pig production systems in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with conventional indoor (CSF) and alternative (free-range and organic) system (ASF) pig farmers to identify individual-level barriers and facilitators of higher welfare pig production. Additionally, two focus groups were held for conventional indoor farmers and processors, and alternative outdoor farmers and processors to identify industry-level barriers and facilitators. The COM-B model, Theoretical Domains Framework [TDF], and the One Welfare concept (Animal Welfare [AW], Human Wellbeing [HW] and Environmental Conservation [EC]), were used to structure the interview and focus group schedules. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and interview and focus group discussions were recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A deductive Framework analysis approach was utilised. Nine participants took part in the focus groups (Conventional system, n = 5, Alternative system, n = 4) and 19 interviews were conducted (Conventional system, n = 9; Alternative system, n = 10). Barriers to uptake of alternative systems related to AW [CSF perceived welfare as being compromised outdoors), HW (poor CSF wellbeing currently without asking further changes to farming practices to be made) and EC (fears of soil damage and soil leaching). Facilitators to uptake of alternative systems related to AW (freedom of the pig to express natural behaviour), HW (ASF enjoyment of working outdoors) and EC (growing feed on-farm). There were some perceived conflicts within One Welfare (e.g. Natural motivation of the pig to root leads to soil damage and leaching) as well as synergies (e.g. Natural motivation of the pig to root for use in woodland management). The findings from this study can be used to inform the direction of efforts to improve pig welfare and encourage high welfare pig production systems on the island of Ireland and beyond.