Free Range Pig Producers Association

The focus of the Free Range Pig Producers Association is the pig.  The pig's welfare, humane handling and sound management in a true free range environment are the priorities of our members.  This Association supports these members by keeping them informed and sharing information and experiences.  The Association represents the interests of free range pig farmers and lobbies for a better deal for small producers and presently, a legal definition for the term free range to protect our businesses, and in turn, the future of our pigs.

Pigs are intelligent, social animals that form close bonds with their offspring and other pigs amongst their herd.  They are foragers by nature, instinctively know how to protect themselves from the elements, build nests to give birth in and are excellent communicators, IF, we give them the opportunity to express these natural behaviours.

The Association does not show preference for any particular breed of pig, no matter how rare they may be perceived to be.  Our concern is for all pigs, not just the pork, and that when they are farmed free range, their welfare is put first.

Our members that achieve Humane Choice certification will be able to display the Certified Free Range Logo.

The food we eat significantly impacts our health and well being. Because of growing concerns about nutrition and food safety, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to buy sustainable foods. Not only are sustainable foods more nutritious than heavily-processed industrial foods, they're also produced without creating the health hazards associated with factory farming.  We aim to ensure that pork produced by our members is indeed free range and that our pigs are managed with the welfare of both animals and the environment in mind.

Defining Free Range

Free range pigs should be able to fulfil their basic behavioural and physiological needs by having the freedom to forage on the land. Their general movements are not to be hindered by cages, sow stalls, or farrowing crates.

Each free range pork producer is also a steward of the land and will put in place management practices that promote health and well being for both animals and the environment.  

Our pigs shall be: 

• free to graze pasture during the day
• free to experience sunshine, wind and rain
• have access to clean fresh water and good feed
• free to express instinctive behaviour
• free of pain, discomfort and disease
• free from fear and distress
• protected from predators
• able to nurture their young
• free from hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics
  

 

What is Bred Free Range?

Bred Free Range means that whilst the pig may have been conceived outside the sow's piglets are not raised free range.  Once they are removed from their mothers, they are raised either in eco shelters or penned in sheds.  The term bred free range tends to be misunderstood by consumers.  The actual pork product that is produced from this system is not free range, only the sow (or mother) was.  Bred free range is not free to range.