Danish pig farmer warns government welfare reforms could force layoffs and harm animal conditions

A Danish pig producer’s plans to expand his farm by 30 percent—raising annual slaughter capacity to 65,000 pigs—now face collapse under the new government’s temporary freeze on swine farm expansions, DR reports.

Michael Hammershøj, who operates a farm in Djursland, argues the expansion was designed to improve animal welfare by increasing space per pig. But with Syddjurs Municipality still reviewing his application, he fears the government’s moratorium will halt the project entirely.

“It’s frustrating that we can’t move forward with plans that would actually improve welfare—the very thing politicians claim to want,” Hammershøj told DR.

The new government’s agricultural policy, outlined in its coalition agreement, includes a ban on tail docking, stricter breeding rules, and mandatory enrichment materials for pigs. It also imposes a temporary halt on new or expanded pig farms.

Hammershøj employs ten Ukrainian workers in the local area and warns that reducing production to comply with welfare demands would force layoffs, ultimately worsening conditions for both staff and animals.

“If we cut output, we cut jobs. Then we’re rushing more, with higher stress, more sick days, and more mistakes—and that doesn’t align with welfare at all,” he said.