Dear Supporters,

We would like to share some interesting movement on Costco's gestation crate policy:

• Prior to Dec 2020, Costco told us that it "has a gestation crate policy that asks suppliers to phase out gestation crates for pregnant sows in favoring of group housing. The goal is a complete transition by 2022."
• In Dec 2020, Costco stated on its website that it "has a gestation crate policy that asks suppliers to phase out gestation crates for pregnant sows in favor of group housing ... Phase 1: The goal is 100% of our Kirkland Signature pork primal cuts, bacon and ham ... on or before December 31, 2022." There was no mention of a specific plan for its many other pork products.  Clearly, this represented a step back from its previously stated policy.
•  In Jan 2021, Costco now tell us that it "has a gestation crate policy that asks suppliers to phase out gestation crates for pregnant sows in favor of group housing ... Phase 1: The goal is 100% of the pork sold in our fresh departments and also our Kirkland Signature pork primal cuts, bacon and ham ... on or before December 31, 2022."  It appears that Costco is now telling us that all of its fresh pork suppliers will be asked to phase out gestation crates by 2022 − not just its Kirkland brand.   

This looks to be a small (but positive) step forward in our efforts get Costco to end the use of gestation crates throughout its supply chain by 2022.  However ... please remember that even after 2022, Costco's suppliers are committed to locking up mother pigs in gestation crates for the first six weeks after they are impregnated.  Check this out. Our work is far from done!

We will keep you updated and, as always, we appreciate your support.

For the Animals,

Crate Free Illinois