December 15, 2020

Taiwan Sugar Corporation to shut down major pig farm in Vietnam

Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) plans to shut down its biggest pig farm in Vietnam, a move that would reduce its pig farming activities in the country.

The company would also invest NT$10.7 billion (US$369 million) in remodeling its existing swine operations in Taiwan, according to a Liberty Times report on December 14. With the investment, the pig farms will have ventilated tunnel systems, reduced odor and less water consumption.

TSC began its pig farming business in Vietnam in 1997. The company faced a strong challenge in February last year with the spread of African swine fever (ASF) transmitted from China. In six months, ASF swept Vietnam, and six million pigs were culled.

TSC dealt with the crisis by cutting down its pig farming in the country by 50% last year as well as by placing 'sentinel pigs' in outposts near its two main locations as a warning mechanism.

Currently, the company has over 3,000 pigs at its two main farms, compared to 35,000 in its heyday.

- Taiwan News