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Pig farming in Austria
11 March 2025
An insight into pig farming with a focus on sustainability
Pork is one of the most popular types of meat in Austria - whether as roast pork, sausage or cold cuts. Around 33kg of pork is consumed per person per year in Austria [1]. But while we enjoy it, few people think about how the animals actually live. A conscious look behind the scenes shows that the way they are kept makes a big difference - for the pigs, the environment and the farms.
The reality of attitude
Around 2.52 million pigs are kept in Austria [2]. The majority live on conventional farms where the animals are kept on fully slatted floors and have no access to the outdoors. This husbandry system is widespread because it enables efficient farming - but at the expense of animal welfare. The animals are kept on concreted floors with slats through which faeces and urine run off. However, this form of housing offers the pigs little to no space for movement or species-appropriate behaviour such as rooting.
From Onsemeliot - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Alternatives: Organic and animal welfare
However, there are also farms that consciously decide in favour of other methods. Around 3 % of pigs are reared according to organic standards [4]. These animals have more space, access to the outdoors and often straw as bedding. Contrary to popular belief, slatted floors are also used here, but only perforated and without slurry channels underneath. In addition, these may only make up a maximum of half of the total floor area.
In addition to conventional pig farming, there are also animal welfare programmes that represent a middle ground between conventional and organic farming. Here, pigs have more space, often straw for rooting, and stricter requirements apply with regard to feeding and the use of medication.
Why is the proportion of organic and animal welfare pigs so low?
The main reason lies in demand. Although many people would like to see more animal-friendly animal husbandry, most people still go for cheap meat in the supermarket. Organic and animal welfare pork is more expensive because the farms have to offer more space and better conditions - an additional expense that is directly reflected in the price. In addition, organic feed and larger areas are required, which not every farm can afford. Many consumers continue to opt for cheaper meat, which means that the market share for more sustainable alternatives remains low.
A change in pig farming: the planned end of fully slatted pens
The Austrian federal government has decided that fully slatted pens for pig farming should be phased out in the long term [3]. Stricter rules are already in force for newly built barns. From 2040, conventional housing with fully slatted floors will be completely banned in order to sustainably improve the conditions in which pigs are kept [3].
Sustainable travel and conscious consumption
A conscious look at the origin of food and experiencing sustainable agriculture on site go hand in hand. Those travelling to Schau aufs Land can not only spend the night sustainably, but also talk directly to farmers - and learn first-hand what species-appropriate animal husbandry means.
How you can contribute to sustainable pig farming
Each and every one of us can contribute to improving conditions in pig farming by making conscious decisions. Even small changes in everyday life make a difference:
- Consume consciously:
Enjoy less, but high-quality meat - quality instead of quantity. - Observe animal welfare labels:
Favour products from organic or animal welfare farms. - Buy directly from farmers:
Support regional farms that focus on species-appropriate husbandry. - Become politically active:
Demand more support for sustainable agriculture.
A change in pig farming is possible - and it starts with the choices we make when shopping and on our plates.
Do you want to experience agriculture up close and support sustainable farms?
Then discover our unique farm pitches with Schau aufs Land and find out for yourself how sustainable animal husbandry and the circular economy work:
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