New funding program supports practical solutions for pork industry challenges
Canada's pork industry is set to benefit from a major research funding initiative aimed at solving key challenges and creating new opportunities for growth. Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), with support from the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), has launched the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals, encouraging researchers and industry experts to develop practical solutions for the sector.
The program is designed to strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness of Canada's pork industry. By supporting innovative research projects, the initiative aims to help producers, processors, and other stakeholders address important issues affecting pork production today and in the future.
Research plays a critical role in helping the agricultural sector respond to changing market demands, environmental concerns, and animal health challenges. Through this funding opportunity, industry investments will be used to attract additional expertise and financial support from research partners, institutions, and related programs. This collaborative approach is expected to increase the overall impact of research efforts and deliver valuable results to the Canadian pork sector.
The funding call focuses on six major priority areas that represent some of the industry's most important needs. One area involves endemic animal diseases, which continue to affect the health and productivity of livestock. Another priority is antimicrobial use and resistance, an issue that remains important for both animal welfare and public health.
“Advancing Swine Research gives our sector an opportunity to direct research investment toward some of the most important challenges facing Canadian pork producers and processors,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of Swine Innovation Porc. “By bringing industry priorities together with research expertise from across Canada, we can support practical solutions that strengthen our sector for the future.”
Biosecurity is another key research area. Strong biosecurity measures help prevent the spread of diseases on farms and protect livestock from potential threats. Researchers are also encouraged to explore improvements in barn technology and facility design. Modern infrastructure and advanced technologies can help farmers improve animal care, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.
Food safety and pork quality are also among the targeted research priorities. Consumers continue to expect safe, high-quality products, making innovation in these areas essential for maintaining trust and market success. Additionally, projects focused on the efficient use of energy and water are encouraged. Improving resource efficiency can help producers reduce costs while supporting environmental sustainability goals.
To support a variety of innovative ideas, the funding program includes two different project categories. The first category, Discovery and Applied Research projects, provides funding of up to $150,000 over a three-year period. These projects are intended to support larger research efforts that can generate meaningful knowledge and long-term benefits for the industry.
“The combination of longer-term applied research and shorter, targeted projects gives us flexibility to pursue strong ideas at different stages of development,” said Dr. Andrew Van Kessel, Chair of SIP’s Science Advisory Body. “Our goal is to support high-quality research that responds directly to the needs of Canada’s pork sector and can ultimately lead to practical outcomes.”
The second category consists of Quick Win projects, which are smaller, short-term initiatives designed to deliver practical outcomes within a shorter timeframe. These projects are generally completed within one year and may receive up to $50,000 in funding. The availability of both project types allows researchers to address immediate concerns while also pursuing longer-term innovations.
Industry leaders believe this flexible approach will help encourage strong research proposals from a wide range of organizations and experts. By supporting both extensive and targeted research efforts, the program can respond to challenges at different stages of development and promote solutions that are ready for real-world applications.
The initiative is open to universities, colleges, research organizations, and government research institutions with relevant experience. This broad eligibility encourages participation from experts across Canada and creates opportunities for collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders.
Applications for the program will begin with a Letter of Intent. Interested organizations must submit their proposals by November 13, 2026. Following the application process, selected projects will have the opportunity to receive funding and contribute to advancements that benefit producers, processors, and the wider pork industry.
As agriculture continues to evolve, research remains one of the most effective tools for addressing industry challenges and improving productivity. Programs that encourage innovation can help producers adopt better practices, improve animal health, protect natural resources, and strengthen business performance.
The Advancing Swine Research initiative represents an important investment in the future of Canadian pork production. By supporting research in critical areas such as animal health, biosecurity, sustainability, food quality, and resource efficiency, the program aims to deliver practical solutions that help ensure a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable pork sector for years to come.
Full program details about the application available at: www.swineinnovationporc.ca/call-for-proposals-2026-27.
Photo Credit: Swine Innovation Porc