According to data analysed by the Guardian, the number of pig farms in Italy dropped by 76% between 2005 and 2016, even though the number of pigs has remained relatively constant. When Franco began rearing the black pigs about 40 years ago, the breed, similar to wild boars, was nearly extinct. Franco Borrello checks the hams during their final phase of curingCovid has further complicated the survival of Italy’s small pig farms. In recent years, many small farms have given up and sold their animals cheaply to large companies because they could not keep up with the competition. “It could soon be the end for Italian small pig farms,” says Franco.

Source: The Guardian May 24, 2021 09:56 UTC