The Social Democrats (SF) in Denmark are advocating for a national ban on the establishment and expansion of new conventional pig production facilities. This proposal, highlighted by the party's agricultural spokesman Carl Valentin, stems from concerns that Denmark's pig production levels—currently at 30 million a year, and 40 million if including those that die before slaughter—are unsustainable for the environment and detrimental to animal welfare.

Valentin emphasized that the current level of pig farming is not compatible with the country's natural ecosystem, asserting that animals raised in such facilities often lead troubling lives, evidenced by recent documentaries that have highlighted issues of animal welfare in pig production. In addition to the moratorium on new farms, the proposal includes a ban on the practice of tail docking in pigs, which is often carried out to prevent injuries in overcrowded conditions.

The implications of this proposal could be significant, considering Denmark’s vast conventional pig farming sector, which has been a critical part of the country's agricultural economy. The push for stricter regulations on pig farming highlights the growing need for better animal welfare standards and sustainable farming practices in Denmark. Should the ban be enacted, it would not only reshape the pig farming industry but could also spark broader discussions on animal rights and environmental standards in agriculture across Europe.