In order to produce organic pork, pork farmers must adhere to strict guidelines. The pigs must be born in organic production units from parents that were raised under organic conditions. Pigs slated to be organic are to have been raised in organic conditions; however, pigs used for meat must be organically managed from the beginning of the last third of the sow’s gestational period, which is approximately 38 days before birth.

Pig Health
When an organic pig contracts a disease, vaccinations are only administered when the disease is communicable and cannot be controlled in any other manner. If a pig becomes ill or injured, it must be isolated and treated. There are specific medicines allowed and recommended for ailing pigs that adhere to certified organic standards. The use of synthetic antibiotics or medicines is forbidden to be used on pigs destined for organic use. All information pertaining to the infected pig, such as animal identification number, date, dosage, duration, and substance must be painstakingly recorded. If a pig becomes too ill to treat under organic standards and traditional drugs or synthetic substances must be used to treat the illness, then the pig must be removed from the organic herd and it can no longer be marketed as organic pork.

Living Conditions
Organic pigs cannot be housed on 100% slatted floors, or in dry sow stalls. They must be allowed sufficient space, routine access to outside pasture, fresh air, and sunlight. However, pigs to be used for organic pork may be housed in farrowing crates (crates which allow enclosed sows to turn around.)

Nutrition Requirements
Organic pigs must be fed organic feed. The feed ration must meet their daily nutritional requirements and include fresh/dried fodder or silage and roughage. All ingredients in the feed must be certified organic, having been produced, handled, and processed according to organic standards. It is forbidden to include growth stimulants, lactation promoters, synthetic appetite enhancers, animal by-products, feed medications, or any other genetically engineered or modified organisms in an organic pig’s diet.

Transportation
The transportation and handling of organic pigs must be done as humanely as possible to reduce stress, suffering, and injury to the animal. Castration and other surgical procedures, such as tagging, are allowed, but should be done at the earliest age possible to minimize animal suffering. The cutting of teeth and tail-docking are not permitted, unless it is absolutely necessary for the herd’s health and safety.