Published 05/06/2013

Millions of tonnes of food go to waste around the world every day. This week the UK parliament's International Development Committee warned that the problem of food waste should be addressed urgently.

Compassion has long been campaigning for a common-sense approach to farming and food production. As part of this we have decided to get involved in a campaign called 'The Pig Idea'.

The Pig Idea is a new campaign, started by chef Thomasina Miers and food waste expert Tristram Stuart, to change the law so that we can return to the traditional practice of feeding surplus food to pigs.

Along with groups including Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association we are calling for a change in the EU law that will provide a legal framework to allow food waste to be fed to pigs.

Recycling food is both environmentally and economically profitable. It lowers feed costs for farmers and helps avoid costs of disposing of food no longer fit for human consumption. When properly managed it can be hugely beneficial to the farm industry, environment and people.

Compassion's Chief Executive, Philip Lymbery, says: "Food waste is one of the biggest scandals of our time. It is not only a humanitarian and environmental issue, but an animal welfare issue too.

"Sending vast quantities of food to landfill means that huge numbers of animals have effectively endured the misery of factory farming for nothing. Recycling properly treated food waste through pigs kept in decent conditions is a common sense way of feeding both pigs and people."

This issue has been long at the heart of Compassion's work. In our 'Food Sense' briefing we explain the negative effects of food waste and the solutions, which include feeding food waste to pigs.

Support 'The Pig Idea' campaign.