Is Germany heading towards more vertical pig integrations?

For many years, experts have been debating benefits of integrated production systems in pig farming for the German swine industry. The arguments: more efficient processes, better traceability and closer coordination along the value chain. In short: synergies through vertical integration. Market expert Dr Albert Hortmann-Scholten discusses pros, cons and what has changed recently. Since the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in September 2020 as well as Covid-19, the environment for pig far