China’s high-rise hog farms, once a domestic innovation, are now going international. Muyuan Foods, the world’s largest pork producer by sales, is collaborating with Vietnamese firm BAF to build the country’s first multistorey pig houses. These vertical farms, reaching up to 26 storeys, aim to boost efficiency, biosecurity, and land use. Muyuan’s $1.4bn IPO prospectus highlighted the model’s success, with 81 million pigs annually produced, including 10% raised in multistorey buildings. The Vietnamese project, set to launch this year, will feature cutting-edge technology like sterilization systems and automated feeding, mirroring Muyuan’s domestic operations in Ezhou, Hubei, where two 26-storey complexes house 1.2 million pigs yearly.

The trend reflects China’s push to address land shortages and disease risks. After the 2018 African swine fever outbreak, the government promoted commercial farms over backyard breeding. Muyuan’s 6,300 R&D staff and data-driven genetic selection platform exemplify its tech-driven approach. However, critics argue multistorey farms risk animal welfare and environmental harm. A 17-storey farm in Guangxi and a 11-storey operation in Guangxi underscore the scale, while a German ‘pig high-rise’ closed in 2023 over cruelty concerns. Land scarcity drives adoption, with Muyuan claiming a 4,000-acre reduction in farmland use. Automation and waste recycling systems further optimize operations, though airflow challenges between floors remain a biosecurity concern.

The model’s global appeal lies in its efficiency. Ian Lahiffe, an agriculture consultant, noted that while the idea seems ‘crazy,’ it works for buyers prioritizing disease control. Vietnam’s project, described as a ‘copy and paste’ of Muyuan’s system, highlights China’s role as a tech exporter. Analysts predict more countries may adopt the model, though debates over ethics and sustainability persist. For now, China’s vertical farming strategy is reshaping global livestock management, balancing innovation with controversy.