Pork Research Cluster Gets $1.8M In New Investment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Meat & Poultry January 12, 2017

OTTAWA, ONTARIO — The Government of Canada is providing an additional $1.8 million to the pork research cluster to continue responding to consumer concerns around the humane treatment of animals, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced.

This additional sum brings the total Government of Canada investment to $14.8 million and will help to expand on research work already underway as part of the five-year (2013-18) research cluster. New research will address the issue of sow housing and improved living conditions for both sows and piglets.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to support the pork sector with this investment. This investment in research in animal health and welfare helps respond to the interests of consumers and will help put more money in the pockets of our producers."

– Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Enhancing the competitiveness and the sustainability of the Canadian pork industry is Swine Innovation Porc's primary goal and focus. In addition to responding to concerns about animal welfare, the Swine Cluster 2 research program also addresses animal health and reducing feed costs. This additional investment in research will further the outcomes of this program and ensure that emerging issues facing the pork sector will continue to be addressed. "

– Stewart Cressman, Chair, Swine Innovation Porc

Quick Facts

  • Swine Innovation Porc, which manages the research cluster, works with industry, government and academia to facilitate research, technology transfer and commercialization initiatives designed to enhance the profitability of the Canadian pork value chain.
  • In 2015, Canada was the third largest pork exporter, with sales of $3.45 billion to 95 countries.
  • The investment in the research cluster is part of AAFC's AgriInnovation Program, a $698-million initiative under the five-year Growing Forward 2 framework, designed to support research and development industry-led activities. (See link to earlier news release below)

Additional Links

Enabling the Pork Sector to Adapt to Changing Consumer Demands

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Swine Innovation Porc

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Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)