Funing Eco-Pork

Funing Eco-Pork

　　【Eco-Pork】 Funing is a major pig-raising county both nationally and provincially. Raising eco-pigs represents a new leap forward in Funing’s pig farming industry. Eco-pig farming is an innovative, environmentally friendly pig-raising technique based on a deep-litter bedding system that eliminates the need for manure cleaning. Compared to traditional pig farming methods in China, its advantages mainly include “zero emissions,” “one improvement,” and “two savings.” The deep-litter method requires that no hormone-containing feed be used throughout the entire breeding process, nor any growth-promoting drugs or antibiotics. The resulting pork is natural, free of drug residues, has excellent texture, and boasts a rich flavor. In July 2008, Funing began organizing deep-litter pig farming. By July 2009, the county had 108 pig farms with over 1,000 pigs each and 8 farms with over 10,000 pigs, with a total deep-litter area of 105,000 square meters and an inventory of over 75,000 eco-pigs. To further establish itself as the country’s leading eco-pig farming county, in 2009 the county introduced incentive policies and established specialized cooperatives for standardized management. A model of decentralized production, centralized processing, and unified sales was adopted, with products sold in cities such as Suzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai. By the end of the year, the county’s deep-litter pig farming area reached 200,000 square meters, and the number of eco-pigs raised surpassed 300,000.