Canada's pork industry is an economic powerhouse, employing tens of thousands of Canadians and contributing billions to Canada's GDP. As the global demand for pork continues to increase, producers need access to the latest research and technologies to ensure they can get their high-quality products to grocery store shelves in Canada and around the world.

"With this funding, we're making sure our pork producers have the tools they need to continue to be leaders in the agriculture sector. This will create opportunities for innovation so we can meet the growing global demand for our world-renowned Canadian pork."

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Focusing on research in the pork industry will enable our producers and processors across the country to improve productivity and quality. The investment announced today will ensure the sector's competitiveness and the industry's sustained growth, both nationally and internationally."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue

"The Greening Government Fund is fostering the innovation that we need to deliver a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and clean economy. With green projects like the updates to the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre and the Normandin Research Farm, we are continuing the work to strengthen our economy while fighting against climate change and supporting Canada's sustainability goals."

- The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister responsible for the Greening Government Fund and the Greening Government Strategy

"This investment in the fourth Swine Research Cluster will help deliver science-based solutions for the benefit of Canadian pork producers, processors, and exporters. By mobilizing critical research and building on our scientific capacity, Swine Cluster 4 will position our industry to better address ever-changing consumer preferences, regulatory realities, and production potential."

- Arno Schober, Chair, Swine Innovation Porc and Ontario pork producer

• In 2022, Canada produced 2.3 million tonnes of pork. 

• The pork and hog sector generated over $6.5 billion in farm cash receipts in 2022, supporting 31,000 farm jobs and contributing to 103,000 direct, indirect and secondary jobs across the country. 

• Pork exports, representing two-thirds of Canadian pork production in 2022, were valued at $4.9 billion, and this does not include the 6.5 million live swine exported throughout the year. 

• The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.

• The Clusters Component, under the AgriScience Program, supports projects intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through partnerships and address priority national themes and horizontal issues.

• The application intake period for the Clusters Component is closed, but the application period for the Projects Component is open.

• Swine Innovation Parc is comprised of the Canadian Pork Council and eight provincial pork organizations. Its mission is to lead the national coordination and facilitation of research, knowledge transfer and commercialization initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian swine sector.

Associated links

• AgriScience Program – Clusters
• Swine Innovation Porc
• Greening Government Fund

For media:

Francis Chechile
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
francis.chechile@agr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 
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