Rivalea (Australia) Pty Ltd

Rivalea (Australia) Pty Ltd is one of Australia’s leading integrated Agri-food companies. The company operates across a number of sites that include farming, processing and distribution, and is Australia’s largest piggery supplying to Woolworth’s.

The company policy at Rivalea is to “Care for every pig, every day” which means they are committed to the respectful and humane treatment of all the animals in their care. Rivalea were involved from the beginning in the development of the Immuno castration vaccine, now marketed by Pfizer, and currently utilise the technology across all their farms. Rivalea has also recently installed 32 PigSAFE farrowing pens, which will form the basis of a project looking at replacing farrowing crates.

Rivalea made the decision to remove sow stalls and move to group housing by 2014 (ahead of voluntary Australian legislation for 2017). Rivalea received a Leadership in Pig Welfare award in 2011 from Compassion in World Farming in recognition of this positive action. Since achieving this award, sow stall removal was completed (except for the insemination period of up to 5 days) ahead of schedule in 2012.

"This prestigious award, gratefully accepted, is testament to the efforts of Rivalea to deliver clearly on our responsibility to both the animals under our care and the consumers we supply. Through consistent investment in welfare research Rivalea continues to question 'standard' production techniques with a view to delivery of improved welfare outcomes whilst mindful of the commercial imperative. Awards such as this act as a significant encouragement for Rivalea to continue down this path."

Paul Pattison, Managing Director