October 17, 2007

Australian pork industry receives funding for research and welfare 

Australian Pork Limited (APL) has secured AUS $280,000 (US$248,612)   in the recent round of funding from the Australian Government's Advancing Agricultural Industries programme.

APL secured AUS $130,000 (US$115,400) for a project which will analyse pig life cycle on the farm. The funding will provide a greater understanding of the process to build on the future of the industry's planning and long-term sustainability.

The project will also look at environmental sustainability, housing and production systems and bottom-line reporting.

APL, on behalf of the Animal Welfare Alliance working group, secured a further AUS$150,000 (US$133,185) to develop a strategic animal welfare policy with other livestock industries.

The members of this group include Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Lot Feeders Association, Sheep Meat Council of Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia.

APL chief executive officer Andrew Spencer said the funding will help APL improve Australia's pork industry. The funding comes at a time when not just the pork industry but all rural industries are facing great challenges, Spencer said.

Although the funds would not provide direct relief to producers, it would strengthen Australia's pork industry for the future, he said.

Earlier this year APL also secured funding for $130,000 for the Feed Partnership Initiative on behalf of participants of the Feed Partnership.

Participants in the Feed Partnership include various Research and Development Corporations, grain and value adding livestock industries.

APL is a producer-owned company combining policy, research and development, marketing and export under one body.