Pig and poultry farming harms environment on huge scale, report warns
Urgent warning issued over pig and poultry farming
- A report by the Wildlife Trusts has warned of significant environmental pollution stemming from the UK's pig and poultry farming sectors.
- The study found that 10.4 million cubic metres of waste, equivalent to 4,160 Olympic-sized swimming pools, are produced annually, with high nutrient levels causing pollution in rivers and harming aquatic wildlife.
- Pollution is particularly acute in concentrated production 'hotspots' across the UK, where current environmental regulations are often insufficient or not fully adopted.
- The report also highlights that over a third of the UK's wheat crop is used for pig and poultry feed, with its cultivation involving fertilisers and pesticides that further pollute the countryside.
- Conservationists are urging the government and industry to support farmers in transitioning to less polluting and more integrated farming systems to clean up rivers and meet environmental targets.