VION Food UK was presented with a Leadership Award in Pig Welfare at the annual Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards ceremony in London last week.

The award was made in recognition of VION UK’s Brydock pig farming operation ‘demonstrating that higher welfare for sows and pigs is possible in UK systems, and helping to pave the way for the industry to aim for a Good Pig Award when it is launched in 2012.’

Katy Read, Head of Food Business for CIWF said: "Our winners are responsible for improving the lives of millions of farm animals in the UK and we look forward to working with our partners on our next challenge, the Good Pig Award next year.”

As a major UK pig farmer, VION has made significant commitment to and investment in the enhancement of animal welfare. Significant recent developments include the introduction of the VION FarmingNet management system and ‘Happy Pigs’ farming programme.

David Woolfall, Farming Director for VION UK’s Pork business unit, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of our team at VION Brydock, together with those farmers rearing and finishing our pigs, has been recognised by animal welfare experts.

"Looking after animals requires competence, consistency and dedication. Our team has delivered on all fronts, 52 weeks per year for the last 10 years in developing and operating this system, sometimes in the face of severe Scottish winter conditions. VION looks forward to working on future projects with the Food Business team at Compassion in World Farming."