SIP: Where pork’s bottom line is top-of-mind

For the pork sector in Canada, research is like oxygen: if you don’t see its value, try living without it.

In an industry where margins are thin and profit is never assured, the one constant is the need for cutting-edge research to aid producers. Against that backdrop, Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) has been managing pork projects since 2010 and is set to continue that effort with its Cluster 4 studies over the next five years. The Swine Cluster is a collaborative research program managed by SIP, in partnership with the Canadian pork industry and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

During the last 12 years, SIP has overseen research investments totaling $51 million over 50 projects and counting. All told, their projects demonstrate the importance of coordination and management to leverage research dollars and make the most of producer funding.

“SIP brings industry and government partners together to advance research that’s aligned on key priorities,” said Daniel Ramage, who assumed the position of general manager, in August 2022. “These are large-scale projects with significant impacts. Our work ensures this research is developed and managed for the benefit of the industry and to maximize the impact of investments.”