The main changes are:

1. Long tails & free-range farrowing pens

• The focus remains on the responsible transition to long tails and the introduction of free-range farrowing pens.
• The minimum floor area and transition period for free-range farrowing pens remain unchanged: by 2035 at the latest for new builds and renovations.
• However, a review in 2030 has been included regarding the granting of permits.
• Farms that have already switched to free-range farrowing pens of other sizes will be granted an additional 15 years’ transition period (until 2050).

2. Preconditions

To facilitate a responsible transition to long tails, several criteria have been relaxed following the consultation:

• Feeding width for fattening pigs: longer transition period
• Escape route: exemption for smaller groups
• Measuring barn climate: transition period introduced

The fire safety criteria have also been made more practical and are better aligned with existing requirements from supply chain quality systems and insurers.

3. Nature and environmental criteria

These have been completely removed. The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals wishes to approach this topic differently and in collaboration with other certification organisations.

4. Pen enrichment (based on the new WUR/NVWA brochure)

The criteria for pen enrichment have been adapted to the updated

brochure Pen enrichment and nesting material for pigs. A webinar was held on 5 March 2026 to present the new brochure; watch this webinar here.

Two options from the brochure are not considered sufficient within BLk:

• The platform with holes (mating pen/farrowing pen)
• The dispenser above the long trough

This revision represents an important step towards the Animal-Welfare-Friendly Livestock Farming Covenant. The revised criteria can be found here.

Do you have any questions about the revised criteria? Please contact the Livestock coordinators.