22. The outdoor farming of pigs is a method that is close to the ideals of organic farming. Recognised organic standards (e.g. UKROFS and the Soil Association) require high levels of stockmanship and exacting attention to animal welfare to ensure healthy stock while avoiding routine drug use. Organic standards-setting authorities allow conventional veterinary treatments where their uses are indicated, but with extended withdrawal periods for animals or products which are to be marketed under an organic label.
23. We welcome this flexible approach and emphasise that, should a pig farmed outdoors show signs of disease or injury, immediate effective treatment must be given. The welfare of organically farmed pigs should not be compromised and where the use of conventional drugs, including vaccines and anthelmintics, is indicated, they must be administered even if this affects the timing or value of the sale of finished pigs (see paragraph 105).
24. It is important that those considering the establishment of an organic unit should take advice from one of the organisations which sets standards for enterprises of this nature.