China is no longer requiring that small pig farms must obtain environmental approval from the government before breeding pigs, Reuters reports. In an effort to rebuild its hog herd that has been decimated by African swine fever (ASF), the Chinese agriculture ministry said it will help remove red tape for small farmers.
This decision will reduce costs as China tries to lure small pig farmers back into pork production, the article said.
For pig farms with an annual output of less than 5,000 pigs, the agriculture ministry clarified that the environmental impact registration form needs to be filed online, but an environmental impact assessment approval is no longer required.
Small farmers continue to play a big role in producing pork in the world’s largest pork-producing country. Unfortunately, the devastation from the outbreak has left Chinese pig farmers with large debts and a hesitancy to rebuild stocks due to ongoing ASF threats and a lack of capital.
The agriculture ministry said China’s hog production recovery still faces uncertainties, Reuters reports, and the risk of ASF remains “relatively great.”
ASF is not harmful to humans and causes no risk to food safety. However, the disease causes almost 100% mortality in pigs. For more information, visit https://www.porkbusiness.com/topics/african-swine-fever.
Read more from Farm Journal’s PORK:
High-Rise Piggeries: The Future of Pork Production in China
African Swine Fever Surge Hits Small Farms in China’s Sichuan
China’s Hog Production Recovery Faces Uncertainties as ASF Risk Lingers
