Intensive pig farming is contributing to air pollution in the UK, says new report

Over the past six years, the number of pigs housed in “intensive” farming units—facilities that house thousands of animals at once—has grown by 11%, with 268 such farms now capable of holding 1.3 million pigs at any given time. These large-scale operations, which require special permits due to their size, are concentrated in specific regions, including North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. As highlighted in a recent report by i newspaper, these farms may be having an outsized impact on environmental health in these areas. 

The rapid expansion of these factory farms has sparked alarm among environmentalists, scientists, and local communities. Intensive pig farming is associated with several environmental risks, particularly the emission of ammonia, a toxic gas that poses a significant public health threat. Ammonia, released by livestock waste, can combine with other pollutants to form fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive decline. It is estimated that PM 2.5 pollution contributes to around 29,000 deaths annually in the UK, with ammonia from agriculture being responsible for a significant portion of this pollution. 

The environmental impact of intensive pig farming extends beyond air pollution. Nutrient-rich waste from these farms, often spread on nearby fields as fertilizer, can run off into rivers and waterways during rainstorms, leading to nutrient overloads that devastate aquatic ecosystems. These nutrients can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water, killing fish and other marine life. The concentration of pig farms in certain areas has resulted in these regions bearing the brunt of pollution risks, with Northern Ireland, for example, seeing ammonia emissions four times higher than the rest of the UK. 

Local communities are also feeling the strain. In Methwold, Norfolk, plans for a massive farm housing 870,000 chickens and 14,000 pigs have been met with strong opposition. Residents are concerned about the potential for increased air pollution, foul odors, and heavy traffic, which could negatively impact the area, known for its holiday attractions. Activists argue that such large-scale farming operations are driven by the demand for cheap meat, which forces farmers into more intensive systems to maintain profitability. 

The growth of intensive pig farming in the UK reflects a broader trend towards industrial agriculture, despite promises from government officials to prevent the rise of “US-style” megafarms. Environmental campaigners are calling for a moratorium on the development of new large-scale farms until more research is conducted to fully understand their impact on the environment and public health. As the new Labour government considers its agricultural policies, there is mounting pressure to address these concerns and ensure that future farming practices are sustainable and safe for both people and the planet.