Food In Canada

Pork research cluster gets additional funding

Food in Canada   

Food In Canada Research & Development Sustainability Meat &Poultry government of Canada humane pigs Swine Innovation Porc

New research will address the issue of sow housing and improved living conditions for both sows and piglets


Canada’s federal government has announced that it’s providing an additional $1.8 million to the pork research cluster to continue responding to consumer concerns around the humane treatment of animals.

This additional amount brings the total Government of Canada investment to $14.8 million, and will help to build upon research work already underway as part of the five-year (2013 to 2018) research cluster.

According to a government media release, new research will address the issue of sow housing and improved living conditions for both sows and piglets.

“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,” says Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

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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.

“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,” says Stewart Cressman, Chair, Swine Innovation Porc.

The investment in the research cluster is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovation Program, a $698-million initiative under the five-year Growing Forward 2 framework, designed to support research and development industry-led activities.


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