The use of sow stalls on New Zealand pig farms is to be limited to four weeks after mating in 2012, and banned by the end of 2015, following controversy over the practice.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has today released the Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2010, which will come into effect on Friday.

“The growing unease of many New Zealanders about the use of sow stalls, which I share, made it clear that change was necessary. The science also supports this,” Mr Carter said.

New Zealand’s billion dollar pork industry has vowed to prove consumers can have confidence in its farming practices by telling them how the products are grown.

Pig farmers faced a storm of controversy this year following media coverage of pigs growing in sow crates – small cages that restrict their movement.

But now, the industry has revealed a plan that will inform consumers how the product they are considering buying was produced.