Ministry of Agriculture invests $1.8 million into pork research cluster

Total investment now exceeds $14 million

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a $1.8 million investment into the pork research cluster.

The investment, which brings the federal government’s total investment to $14.8 million, is a response to consumer concerns about the humane treatment of animals.

"Our Government is pleased to support the pork sector with this investment,” Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay said in a release. “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."

Swine Innovation Porc runs the research cluster. It will use the added investment for  ongoing research and to perform new studies into sow housing and improved living conditions for sows and piglets.

"Enhancing the competitiveness and the sustainability of the Canadian pork industry is Swine Innovation Porc's primary goal and focus,” Stewart Cressman, chair of Swine Innovation Pork, said in the release. “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.”

Farms.com has reached out to Ontario Pork, the Canadian Pork Council and hog farmers to get their thoughts on the government investment and the potential impacts it could have on the pork industry.