Spain: Commitment of the pig sector to sustainability
In this regard, in October 2022 INTERPORC launched a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This strategy is supported by a Scientific Committee and a Strategic Committee, which are responsible for evaluating and guiding sustainable initiatives, ensuring a rigorous and well-informed approach.
The concept of circular economy has been fundamental in the pig value chain. Reusing resources and minimising waste are pillars of this strategy. For example, biofertilisers from slurry and sewage sludge are increasingly used for bioenergy generation on farms and in industry.
Proper slurry management is also essential to minimise nitrate and ammonia contamination. Farms have waterproof manure ponds and management plans that prevent the filtration and contamination of surface and groundwater, as required by Royal Decree 306/2020.
In addition, slurry is used as organic fertilizer, providing an important source of nutrients for agriculture. In Spain, it has been reported that the use of slurry has contributed significantly to reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
In general, since 1990, various strategies have been implemented to maximize resource efficiency in the pig sector. These include improvements in water use, feed formulation, energy consumption, valorization of by-products such as slurry, and animal and meat transport logistics. These efforts have managed to reduce water use by 30% for each kilo of meat produced between 1990 and 2020.
On the other hand, according to data prepared by INTERPORC from the National Inventory of Greenhouse Gases and the National Inventory of Atmospheric Pollutants, published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), in 2024 ammonia emissions will have been reduced by 49% in 2022 compared to 1990 emissions. On the other hand, greenhouse gas emissions per head of livestock have decreased by 43% in the period 1990 to 2022.
The data extracted from the report show that the pig sector only contributes 2.58% of total gas emissions in Spain. This proportion is significantly lower than that commonly attributed to the sector and much lower than the double-digit figures associated with other industrial sectors.
At INTERPORC, we are convinced that sustainability in the pig sector is not only a responsibility, but an opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate that it is possible to produce in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. INTERPORC will continue to support the sector in the adoption of sustainable and innovative practices, ensuring that the pig industry remains a vital and responsible part of the Spanish agri-food sector.
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