At a time when our British agricultural heritage is more important than ever, the livestock sector is facing a growing threat: a surge in activist incursions aimed at farms across the UK. Reports indicate that activist groups have targeted numerous pig‑farming sites and intend to investigate a large proportion of what they label “intensive” units by the end of 2025. What this means for the broader livestock sector—including poultry, beef and smaller organic farms—cannot be ignored.

What’s Really Going On

These incursions are not merely spontaneous protests. They are part of a strategically coordinated campaign involving high‑spec surveillance kits, attempts to gain access by posing as staff, and legal action plans under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The intention appears to be not only media exposure but also legal and regulatory pressure, with some activists seeking to challenge the legality of standard livestock practices.

While the focus of many of these actions is on large‑scale pig and poultry units, the ripple effect is felt right across the farming community—including smaller, high‑welfare, organic farms. Farms that are doing the right thing still find themselves dealing with the stress of possible incursion, reputational risk, and the logistical burden of additional security measures.

Why This Matters to Us

At The Organic Butchery, our commitment is to British farming, to small‑scale producers, and to high‑welfare, transparent supply chains. When our farmers are under pressure—whether from regulation, market change or activist targeting—the entire ethos of ethical, organic meat is impacted. Supporting our farmers is not just about food on the plate—it’s about livelihoods, rural communities and the future of better farming.

What Farmers Can Do Right Now

For any livestock farmer concerned about incursions, industry guidance suggests a few essential steps:

• Review your perimeter signage: It should clearly reference legal protections and be regularly visible across all access points.

• Staff training: Ensure workers know how to react to unauthorised access, logging the phrase “Criminal offence – Section 68, Aggravated Trespass” when they call authorities.

• Audit your security: Look for potential weak points including unmonitored access routes, outdated visitor systems or unlogged staff.

• Review transparency and compliance: While this is good practice always, farms with strong welfare, traceability and visible standards are less likely to be unjustly targeted.

• Engage your community: Local support and open farm‑visits help build trust and can deter mis‑representation.

In Summary

This surge in activist incursions is a serious concern—both for large scale units and farms working to high‑welfare organic standards. At The Organic Butchery we stand firmly with the farming community. We believe that responsible livestock farming—done slowly, ethically and with respect for land and animals—is the future. Every order you place with us helps to support farms doing it the right way.

Thank you for being part of a food system that values transparency, ethics and stewardship of the countryside.