Pollution from Pig and Poultry Farming Sectors Harming Rivers and Wildlife

Strategic Insights -

Pollution from the vast pig and poultry farming sectors in the UK is causing significant harm to rivers, the wider landscape, and nature, warns a report from the Wildlife Trusts. The study, commissioned by the Wildlife Trusts and carried out by Cumulus Consultants, reveals the shocking scale of pollution from these sectors, with millions of pigs and billions of birds and eggs produced each year contributing to environmental degradation.

The report highlights the devastating impact of the high levels of nutrients in pig and poultry manure, which makes it difficult to use sustainably on farmland and causes pollution in habitats, including rivers. The situation is particularly acute in areas where poultry and pig production are concentrated, the report warns. Conservationists are calling on the Government and industry to support farmers in shifting to a less polluting and more integrated pig and poultry system to clean up rivers and meet legally binding environmental targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pig and poultry farming sectors produce 10.4 million cubic meters of waste annually, equivalent to 4,160 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
  • Over 1.1 billion chickens are raised and slaughtered each year, producing around 12 billion eggs.
  • The UK breeds, grows, and slaughters approximately 11 million pigs annually.
  • 34-38% of the UK's total wheat crop is used for pig and poultry feed, with an associated use of 2,621 tonnes of pesticides, including fungicides.
  • 30% of pig holdings in England are located in Yorkshire and Humberside, while 28% of all poultry holdings are in the Midlands.
  • The majority of breeding sows in England fall outside environmental permitting rules.
  • Significant proportions of pig populations across the UK also fall outside environmental permitting rules.

Statistics:

  • 10.4 million cubic meters of waste are produced annually from pig and poultry farming. (Equivalent to 4,160 Olympic-sized swimming pools.)
  • The UK breeds, grows, and slaughters approximately 11 million pigs and 1.1 billion chickens annually.
  • 34-38% of the UK's total wheat crop is used for pig and poultry feed.
  • 2,621 tonnes of pesticides, including fungicides, are used annually in connection with pig and poultry farming.
  • 30% of pig holdings in England are located in Yorkshire and Humberside.
  • 28% of all poultry holdings in England are located in the Midlands.

Sources:

  • Report from the Wildlife Trusts on the environmental impact of pig and poultry farming.