Input from producers, stakeholders, and the public will shape the updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs in Canada.
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) launched the code update in mid-May, starting with a top-of-mind survey that closed June 4. Jackie Wepruk, Division Director of NFACC, said the results will guide the Pig Code Committee as they begin discussions later this fall.
Wepruk said, “This was one important way to gather public input—not just from the general public but from producers who the code will impact.”
She said the committee will deliberate for 18 to 24 months before releasing a complete draft for a 60-day public comment period. That input round will include the draft code and the supporting Scientific Committee report.
“We want to hear from many voices,” said Wepruk. “Especially from producers expected to follow the new code.”
The target for completing the update process is March 2028. Details and progress updates are available at www.nfacc.ca
Canada’s Codes of Practice outline national standards for the care and handling of farm animals. First developed in 1993, the Pig Code got its last update in 2014 under NFACC’s direction. It covers areas like housing, handling, feed and water, health, husbandry, emergency planning, transport, and euthanasia. These codes apply to those caring for pigs, primarily farmers and their workers.
“The Codes are national standards,” said Wepruk. “They inform provincial regulations, industry programs, and on-farm assessments. They also guide education and awareness.”
She explained that updating the Pig Code reflects new science, evolving societal expectations, and producer realities.
“The Canadian Pork Council took the lead on this update. They understand the need to keep the code relevant,” she said. “It’s not a simple process. It takes up to three years and involves tough conversations.”
The Pig Code Committee comprises of farmers, veterinarians, researchers, government officials, processors, animal welfare groups, retailers, and representatives from the food service industry.
“These updates don’t happen in silos,” said Wepruk. “We bring together people with very different views. We help them work through hard issues and reach consensus.”
The Scientific Committee plays a critical role. After the fall meeting, the Pig Code Committee will set priority welfare issues. The Scientific Committee will then prepare a peer-reviewed report on the research findings regarding these topics. That report informs the development of the draft code.
“The science gives us a foundation,” said Wepruk. “Then the committee considers what’s practical on the farm, and what society expects. The final code balances all of that.”
The public comment period, tentatively scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, will provide another key chance for feedback.
“We want to make sure this code is the best it can be,” said Wepruk. “Hearing from the people it affects is vital.”
Anyone can follow the process, read the reports, and offer input by visiting the Pig Code page at www.nfacc.ca
“If people want updates on this or any other code update, they can sign up for alerts through the NFACC site,” said Wepruk.
Other codes included in the updates are beef cattle, sheep, equine, meat birds (including chickens, turkeys, and hatching eggs), and laying hens.
“Pig Code is in good company,” she said. “There’s a lot of work to ensure farm animal care across all sectors reflects current science and practical realities.”
The update is not about one side winning and another losing. It’s about finding solutions that work for everyone involved in pig welfare and Canadian agriculture. Wepruk believes in that balance.
“It’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is,” she said. “We all want progress—and this is how we do it together.”
Both Sask Pork and Alberta Pork will be hosting upcoming producer meetings to discuss the possible changes in the Pig Code of Practice. •
— By Harry Siemens