Europe-wide action to improve the pig industry

EU PIG, a 4-year €2 million project to look at health management, precision production, animal welfare and meat quality has been made up of a consortium of 19 organisations from all across Europe.

Led by the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB Pork), the consortium represents 13 member states that together account for 92% of the EU’s pig meat production and 89% of the EU’s pig herd in 2014.

Connecting pig producers and science

EU PIG is a new concept which aims to improve the connection between producers and the latest science, husbandry techniques and technologies from within their industry via fellow producers, academics and advisors connected through thematic and regional platforms.

The EU PIG consortium consists of or will have links to, national and regional pig producer groups, researchers, rural development boards and innovation practitioners, including a number of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Scientific knowledge identified and shared

The next 4 years will see tools created and practical guidance available for all parts of the industry. Innovative best practice combined with scientific knowledge will be identified and shared via comprehensive website explaining in detail the project objectives and how to get involved.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme which has a 10-year growth and jobs strategy called Europe 2020. It was launched in 2010 to create the conditions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.