The latest figures obtained by Compassion in World Farming, show several member states, including Spain, have now joined the list of nations that will be ready for the introduction of the new legislation.

Dil Peeling, Director of Public Affairs at Compassion in World Farming says: “Farmers across Europe have had since 2001 to prepare for the new rules, and the fact that there are still a significant number of farms in some countries that are not yet compliant is concerning."

“The new law will go some way to levelling the playing field for UK farmers but will only help if it is fully enforced."

“Consumers in this country also deserve to be sure that what they are buying hasn’t been produced in an illegal system. For the best pig welfare, we would advise shoppers to look out for the Soil Association organic label, free-range, outdoor bred and reared and RSPCA Freedom Food. We would also advise buying British, although it doesn’t guarantee high welfare, so it’s important to look for those other labels too.“

The 18 EU Member States expected to be compliant by 1 January 2013 are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

This leaves Austria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia. Austria has told the Commission that the remaining non-compliant sites in 2013 would cease production.

Compassion in World Farming states it will continue to put pressure on the governments of these non-compliant nations in the run up to the ban coming into force and will monitor the situation for non-compliance after 1 January.