Provincial pork producer associations come together to fund national research program

Quebec - Swine Innovation Porc is pleased to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by seven provincial pork associations across Canada:

The seven associations include:
- Alberta Pork
- Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec
- Manitoba Pork
- New Brunswick Pork
- Ontario Pork
- PEI Pork
- Sask Pork

This MOU represents a financial commitment of $2.5 million for Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) that will support activities within the research program Swine Cluster 2: Driving Results through Innovation, 2013-2018.

This funding signifies a national and collaborative approach in supporting research activities for the Canadian swine sector. In addition, it will give SIP the financial flexibility to quickly respond to emerging issues that directly affect swine producers in Canada, such as the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea concern. It will also be used in activities related to the transfer of technical knowledge, so that innovative technologies will reach pork producers at the farm level.

At the beginning of 2014, SIP was granted $13 million in funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) as well as a considerable contribution from our industry partners. This additional amount from the provincial pork associations provides SIP with an overall budget of $17.3 million for the Swine Cluster 2 research program.

Stewart Cressman, Chair of SIP said “This added financial support from the provincial associations will further the corporation’s ability to achieve its objectives as outlined in our mission statement. SIP is committed to provide national leadership in coordinating and facilitating research, knowledge transfer and commercialization initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian swine industry.”

SIP is a corporation of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), who shares SIP’s vision to assist and benefit producers. “Pork farmers from across Canada share the same abiding commitment to providing consumers a nutritious, safe and affordable food supply", said Jean-Guy Vincent, Chair of the CPC. "I'm pleased that we have a common interest and commitment to support strategic research to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and promote the long-term growth and sustainability of the Canadian swine industry.”

Source: OntarioPork