Surprisingly, this sharp decrease in sow inventory has not significantly impacted total pigmeat production. In 2004, EU member states produced approximately 21.1 million tonnes of pigmeat. In 2024, that figure is expected to remain nearly unchanged at 21.04 million tonnes — highlighting a major shift in production efficiency and structure.
Sow Inventory Decline in Major Producing Countries:
- Germany: from 2.47 million sows in 2004 to 1.39 million in 2024 (–43%)
- France: from 1.29 million to 0.83 million (–36%)
- Poland: from 1.65 million to 600,000 (–63%)
- Netherlands: from 1.12 million to 783,000 (–30%)
- Denmark: from 1.4 million to 1.16 million (–17%)
- Italy: from 724,800 to 596,990 (–17.6%)
- Portugal: from 261,400 to 220,460 (–15.7%)
Spain: The Notable Exception
Spain stands out as the only EU country that has maintained — and slightly increased — its sow herd over the past 20 years. From 2.606 million in 2004, the sow inventory in Spain rose marginally to 2.611 million in 2024. Even more impressive is the growth in pigmeat production, which surged by almost 60%, from 3.08 million tonnes in 2004 to 4.92 million tonnes in 2024. Since 2021, Spain has been the leading pigmeat producer in the EU.
Key Trend
Despite the shrinking breeding herd, EU pigmeat output remains steady. This reflects enhanced productivity, better genetics, improved management practices, and technological advancements across the sector.
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