The Roam-Free project

We are working to increase organic pig farming in Europe by finding ways to improve animal health, biodiversity and sustainability. By enhancing innovative strategies to manage feeding, pastures and disease. We address consumer demand for natural, sustainable animal products. By evaluating health, welfare, biodiversity, and environmental impacts, ROAM-FREE seeks to improve animal welfare and sustainability, contributing to the wider adoption of organic farming across Europe.

The ROAM-FREE project is a step towards achieving the European Green Deal’s goal of converting 25% of the EU’s agricultural land to organic farming by 2030. We are particularly focused on enhancing organic pig farming by integrating pigs with other livestock, crops, or trees in mixed free-range systems. Such systems align with consumer expectations for natural and sustainable animal products and offer several benefits, such as reduced antibiotic use, lower infrastructure costs, and potentially smaller carbon footprints compared to conventional indoor systems.

However, free-range pig farming faces challenges, including biosecurity risks, disease control, and land requirements. The project aims to address these while promoting animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

Key activities include:

  • Evaluating Health and Welfare: Regular assessments will be conducted to understand pasture-related problems like parasites and heat stress.

  • Feeding Strategies: The project will explore novel feeding approaches, including the use of trees.

  • Biodiversity Assessment: By trapping insects, the project seeks to gauge the biodiversity in these systems.

  • Farmer Involvement: Understanding farmers’ perspectives on free-range management and their unique challenges.

  • Economic and Environmental Analysis: Performing life cycle assessments to determine the sustainability and self-sufficiency of these systems.

  • Anti-Parasitic Strategies: Investigating the potential of different feed items and management practices to combat parasites.

The project will culminate in the development of improved free-range management strategies and their dissemination, including a European workshop to share findings. This initiative is not just about enhancing organic pig farming; it’s about a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture that benefits farmers, animals, and the environment.