In 2024, the number of active sows already declined from 730,000 to 670,000. The main reason for this reduction is national regulations aimed at encouraging the termination of livestock production operations. Over the past two years, hundreds of pig farms have closed, leading to a reduction of 100,000 sows.
Voluntary Termination Program for Livestock Farming
In 2024, 567 pig farms opted to participate in the “National Termination Regulation for Animal Husbandry Locations” (Lbv). Of these, 552 farms met all requirements, and 374 had already signed and submitted agreements to terminate operations—about 67% of participants.
Reducing Nitrogen Emissions
The Lbv program was introduced to help the Netherlands meet its nitrogen emission reduction targets. The country has failed to meet European requirements for protecting natural areas, as high nitrogen emission levels threaten biodiversity.
Two Termination Programs in Five Years
Over the past five years, the Netherlands has implemented two programs to reduce livestock farming. In 2019, the “Subsidy Regulation to Reconstruct the Pig Industry” (Srv) encouraged 278 pig farms to close, reducing the pig inventory by 7%. The current Lbv program is expected to achieve twice that reduction.
According to Topigs Norsvin, there were 887,000 sows in the Netherlands at the end of 2018, but this number has decreased by 250,000 over the past five years.
Market Shifts
The decline in pig numbers is also altering the market balance. It is anticipated that 15% of sow production capacity and 8% of fattening pig capacity will disappear. Consequently, the need to export piglets for finishing will diminish.
However, about 80% of current pig producers intend to continue their operations. For those remaining in the market, a reduced pig inventory may be beneficial as slaughterhouses and processors need to maintain their production lines.
Internationally, the reduction in the Netherlands has a minimal impact on overall EU production. According to Rabobank, by the end of 2024, pig production in the EU and the UK remained stable, with only a minor decrease of 0.5%.
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