Pork Industry Studies Imaging Technology to Deliver Premium Cuts
News Release
December 6, 2016 – Québec, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, today announced nearly $1 million to help the pork sector use new imaging technology to improve the quality of cuts offered to domestic and international buyers.
This project, being carried out by Fonds de recherche et développement de la production porcine (FRDPP) in Quebec, aims to enhance the value of each hog by as much as $15 by using scanning technology to create 3D images to map desirable traits in live animals. Those hogs that provide the best cuts of pork would be selected to populate subsequent generations, thus passing along the desirable traits.
Quick facts
- Montreal-based FRDPP is a not-for-profit corporation created in 2006 by the Coop fédérée and its affiliated cooperatives to support research and development in the pork sector.
- Canada’s pork sector generated $4.2 billion in farm cash receipts in 2015, with 26 per cent of hog farms concentrated in Quebec.
- Funding for the project comes from the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (2014-2019), a $50.3 million program to help the sector seize opportunities, respond to new and/or emerging issues, and pathfind and/or pilot solutions to new and ongoing issues, so it can adapt and remain competitive.
- The announcement coincides with the two-day Pork Show in Quebec City which concludes today.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is committed to helping hog farmers compete internationally by offering the best pork cuts using the latest imaging technology. Producers will be able to selectively breed hogs with the most desirable characteristics, helping drive the sector forward as a leader in innovation, while improving profitability."
- Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant
"Coop fédérée values research and development in its pork value chain to develop new practices that meet industry requirements and constantly-evolving consumer needs as well. We therefore welcome Agriculture and Agri-Food’s contribution to our technological innovation project in genetic selection."
- Ghislain Gervais, Président, La Coop fédérée
Additional links
Contacts
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture
Marie-Hélène Cliche
Director, Corporate Communications
La Coop fédérée
514-347-5939
Twitter: @LaCoop_federee
Search for related information by keyword