By Arno Schober
Editor’s note: Arno Schober is Chair, Swine Innovation Porc (SIP). For more information, contact ‘mmcmullen@swineinnovationporc.ca.’
The ever-changing nature of the Canadian pork sector is something that producers across our country need to consider and adapt to. Research and innovation provide us with important insights to make informed decisions on our farms as well as down the value chain to support continued growth and advancement. Investment in research and innovation has paved the way for sustainable practices, enhanced productivity and elevated us to the third-largest exporter of pork products globally.
Future challenges and opportunities to create real value for Canadian pork producers and the broader industry rely on our collective ability to foster research and innovation. By working together across producer organizations, research institutions, industry and government, we can unlock exciting research advancements that will have a significant and lasting impact on the resilience of our sector.
I have seen first-hand the positive impact of coordinated and collaborative research through my involvement with Swine Innovation Porc (SIP). Since 2010, SIP has provided effective oversight of three successful research clusters, and now with the launch of Swine Cluster 4 in February 2024, we are spearheading innovation that will drive further progress within the Canadian pork industry.
These successes have given us a strong foundation to build from. With continued organizational development and partnership with our members, we can enhance efforts to deliver meaningful results for the benefit of the sector.
On the road to 2028
Last year, SIP completed a strategic planning exercise to build a roadmap taking us to 2028. This consultation process was focused on gaining knowledge and feedback from our key stakeholders including provincial pork producer organizations, researchers and industry partners to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
Through this process, the transformative strength of collaboration and partnership has shaped our strategic plan. These principles are not only integral to achieving our priorities but also in driving the continuous advancement to build a strong and sustainable future for the Canadian pork industry.
Based on the insights shared during the consultations, our strategic plan focuses on four key priorities: partnerships, communication, funding and excellence.
Guided by our new strategic plan, SIP is supporting the sector to tackle national strategic priorities, such as disease management, feed efficiency and environmental sustainability, while sharing knowledge and expertise with producers and industry.
Swine Cluster 4 has successfully secured a joint government-industry investment of $20.1 million over five years. This funding will bolster 18 comprehensive research and knowledge transfer initiatives, engaging more than 50 researchers across 13 institutions. Furthermore, the recent support from the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA) promises to serve as a catalyst for collaborative research, driving forward our sector’s key priorities.
With industry, government and academia united around shared priorities in Swine Cluster 4, targeted research is underway to help move our sector forward. Research activities in the cluster are investigating the development of new vaccines and antimicrobial alternatives, sustainable management practices, productivity-enhancing feed strategies, enhanced genetics, improved meat quality and much more.
As we move into year two of Swine Cluster 4, our team is focused on getting research updates, findings and practical applications in the hands of pork producers and the broader industry. We are committed to working closely with provincial pork producer organizations and industry partners to ensure you receive the information and research insights you need to make decisions on your farm through timely and efficient communications channels.
We understand that much of the research projects in our past Swine Cluster programs have laid foundational groundwork, with practical applications yet to fully materialize. However, it’s essential to recognize that the outcomes from these projects serve as building blocks for future innovative solutions. Our hope is that in the not-too-distant future, these advancements will directly impact your farm operations and enable our industry to navigate challenges more effectively, ultimately ensuring the efficient delivery of our nutritious, high-quality pork products to markets here at home and around the world.
Keep up with the latest
Stay tuned! We are looking forward to sharing more exciting updates, findings and practical applications from the research projects in Swine Cluster 4, from past cluster research and through the support provided by PPRA.
To learn more about SIP, we invite you to visit our website, ‘swineinnovationporc.ca.’ To keep informed on the latest research outcomes and insights, follow us on Facebook (@SwineInnovationPorc), X (@SwineInnovation) and LinkedIn.
