Source: Canadian Pork Council
The Canadian Pork Council was pleased to learn of the federal investment into an Industrial Research Chair for animal welfare announced by the Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The funding was awarded to University of Saskatchewan researcher Yolande Seddon who will be working with multiple industry partners studying the welfare of farmed pigs.

“Pork producers recognize the importance of animal welfare and the need for research for continuous improvement. Pork producers pride themselves on the care they provide for their animals. Animal welfare directly impacts the sustainable and ethical production of pork and the quality of the meat produced,” explains Rick Bergmann, CPC chairman. Animals that receive good care and that are not subject to stressful environments and practices produce higher-quality meat that is in high demand in international markets.

“We are pleased that pork producers from across Canada chose to contribute to this research and will be directly involved. Collaboration between researchers, producers, processors and packers is key to a highly successful Canadian pork sector that creates jobs and contribute to the Canadian economy,” adds Bergmann.

As producers rely on the CPC to create and maintain on-farm programs based on research and scientific facts, the Canadian Pork Council is proud to support this research and looks forward to exploring its findings.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council provided $837,750 with Canada’s swine industry matching the funding and providing in-kind support worth $128,000. The University of Saskatchewan will also provide $305,000 funding over the five-year term of the chair.

Click here for more information about this initiative.

The Canadian Pork Council is the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations representing 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.