Amid global trade uncertainty and U.S. pork facing tariffs, Canada is investing to expand its swine sector. While the two moves are not directly related, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay just announced a federal investment of up to (Canadian) $12.7 million to Swine Innovation Porc, a non-profit corporation that facilitates research in the Canadian swine sector. The non-profit will contribute up to an additional $5.8 million to the project.
The investments will be used to examine new ways of feeding piglets that could help provide immunity from diseases; determine best methods for the classification of pork based on quality attributes; and, examine long-distance transport effects on the health and welfare of early weaned pigs. Canada is the 9th largest pork producer in the world, representing approximately two percent of global production. In 2016, Canada exported approximately 70 percent of overall Canadian hog production, with a value of $3.8 billion.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.