Swine Innovation Porc
Annual Report
2023-2024
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do – and the process to set our organization’s roadmap to 2028 was no different.
This roadmap reflects the shared vision and expertise of SIP's Board of Directors, members, and staff and aims to facilitate a unified strategy to address the research priorities identified by producers and the broader industry, focusing on key challenges and opportunities.
Continued advancements in research will help Canadian pork producers by reducing risks, satisfying market demands, and improving both productivity and global competitiveness.
Mission
Vision
SIP provides leadership in research, development, and knowledge transfer of new innovations to Canada’s pork sector in order to enhance its sustainability, productivity and competitiveness.
SIP’s 5-year vision is to position Canada’s resilient pork sector as a globally recognized leader in innovative and sustainable practices.
Who We Are
SIP is the national facilitator of research efforts for the benefit of Canada’s Pork sector. We coordinate the efforts of industry, academia, and government stakeholders to gain new knowledge and advance innovation. SIP empowers and collaborates with provincial pork organization members to pursue science-based research and knowledge transfer opportunities aligned with the sector’s productivity, competitiveness and sustainability priorities.
Our Values
Our staff and our partners share these common values in all the work that we do.
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Collaborative–we work with partners to achieve the pork sector’s research goals
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Innovative–we promote positive change by embracing creative ideas and methods
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Proactive –we take the initiative, anticipating future needs and issues
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Supportive–we support stakeholders to amplify the impact of Canadian research results
Collaborative Research
Research is a team sport. Partnerships and collaboration across producer organizations, research institutions, industry, and government will unlock exciting advancements and generate innovative ideas to tackle on-farm and industry challenges.
Since 2010, Swine Innovation Porc has demonstrated our expertise in pork research with the successful completion of three pork cluster programs and the launch of Swine Cluster 4. By leveraging our past achievements and strengthening our organization, we aim to expand our impact and address the evolving research needs of the Canadian pork sector.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF SWINE RESEARCH?
Collaborative research accelerates the pace of innovation, drives sustainable growth, strengthens competitiveness and maximizes the resilience of the swine sector.
Our Research Programs
A major milestone this year was the launch of Swine Cluster 4.
On February 20, 2024, Swine Innovation Pork welcomed an investment of over $10.6M by the Government of Canada through the AgriScience program for Swine Cluster 4: Innovation for Sustainable Growth in the Canadian pork sector. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre.
This combined government-industry investment of up to $20.1M will unlock advancements that build on the sector’s long-term sustainability, resiliency, and growth potential.
(L-R): Tony Savard, Research, Development, and Technology (RDT) Director, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Normandin Research and Development Centre, Aline Remus, Research Scientist (AAFC), Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Daniel Ramage, General Manager, Swine Innovation Porc, Arno Schober, Chair, Board of Directors, Swine Innovation Porc, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue
Swine Cluster 4 Snapshot
$20.6 M
TOTAL BUDGET
$10.63 M
AGRICULTURE AND AGRIFOOD CANADA
$9.53 M
PRODUCERS AND INDUSTRY
13
RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
50+
RESEARCHERS
36+
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Research Overview
Other Research Programs
SIP facilitates other ad-hoc projects to advance industry knowledge on priority issues like African Swine Fever.
SIP'S SCIENCE ADVISORY BODY
Capitalizing on scientific expertise
The Science Advisory Body (SAB) is a committee of esteemed professionals evaluating the scientific validity of research proposals for Swine Innovation Porc, offering diverse swine research expertise and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Message from the Chair
Arno Schober, Chair of SIP
Dear Members,
As we reflect on outcomes for 2023-24, I am proud of SIP’s accomplishments in meeting the needs of the pork industry through research collaboration.
This year has been an important one for Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), marked by the completion of our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Developed with member input and that of the broader value chain, this plan is built around four key pillars: partnerships, communication, funding, and organizational excellence.
These pillars are designed to ensure that SIP continues to meet the evolving needs of the Canadian pork sector as a national research facilitator. By working closely with industry, government, and academia, we are demonstrating the significant impact that collaboration can have in strengthening the competitiveness and profitability of the Canadian pork industry.
A major highlight this year has been the launch of Swine Cluster 4 in February 2024—a $20.1 million initiative—made possible through strategic investments from our industry and government partners, and the dedication of the Canadian pork research community. This milestone follows the successful completion of Cluster 3 earlier in the year, marking another important achievement.
The 15 research projects supported by Swine Cluster 4 are advancing critical areas for our sector. From developing new vaccines and enhancing nutrition to improving manure management, finding alternatives to antibiotics, and boosting pork quality, these projects are setting new standards for what is possible. They will unlock greater profitability and competitiveness for Canadian producers, ensuring that our industry remains strong and resilient.
Looking ahead, I am confident in our direction. The Collaborative Action Plan, supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), will further enhance our ability to address national research priorities. Guided by input from SIP members and industry partners, this plan will direct our efforts in advancing strategic research that benefits the entire industry.
I would also like to recognize the outstanding work of our management team, consultants, and Board. Their leadership and commitment have been essential in advancing our strategic goals and enabling SIP to deliver on its commitments during a time of significant transition. The dedication and collaboration of this team provide SIP with a strengthened position for the future.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the contributions of our outgoing Board members, Denise Cassidy and Darcy Fitzgerald. They have been steadfast supporters and engaged members of our Board, providing valuable insights and ongoing support for SIP.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. The future of Canada’s pork sector is bright, and I look forward to the advancements we will achieve together.
Sincerely,
Arno Schober, Chair
Ontario Pork Producer
Meet the 2023-2024 Board:
The Board of Directors sets Swine Innovation Porc’s strategic direction. This year’s board comprises industry leaders with diverse backgrounds and expertise, all united in their dedication to advancing the Canadian pork sector.
Arno Schober
Chair of the Board
Ontario Pork
Producer
Maaike Campbell
Treasurer
Ontario Pork
Producer
Andrew Van Kessel
VIDO
Board Members and SAB Chair
Director of Research
René Roy
Vice-Chair
Éleveurs de porcs du Québec
Producer
Grant Melnychuk
Secretary
Manitoba Pork
Director, Sustainable Development & Research
Darcy Fitzgerald
Board Member
Alberta Pork
General Manager
Mark Ferguson
Board Member
Sask Pork
General Manager
Denise Cassidy
Board Member
PEI and NB Pork
General Manager
Jorge Correa
Canadian Meat Council
Board Member
Vice-President, Market Access & Technical Affairs
Message from the GM
Daniel Ramage, SIP General Manager
Dear Members,
As a science-based industry competing on the global stage, the Canadian pork sector’s commitment to research, supported by SIP, drives innovation and strengthens our leadership.
This year has been marked by the completion of our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the successful launch of Swine Cluster 4 in February 2024 and the wrap-up of Swine Cluster 3 earlier in the year. These milestones reflect the strong collaboration among industry, academia, and government in advancing the Canadian pork sector’s global leadership through research and innovation.
The launch of Swine Cluster 4 is a major step forward, made possible through the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and our industry partners. This large-scale, multi-year research program brings together more than 13 institutions, 36 industry partners, and 50 researchers, all working to address key challenges in our sector. These research projects will help make Canadian pork production more competitive and sustainable.
Earlier this fiscal year, we also completed Swine Cluster 3 administration, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together across the value chain. Cluster 3 delivered important results, and we are now focused on sharing these outcomes, along with ongoing research from Swine Cluster 4, to ensure that new knowledge is effectively transferred to those who can put it into practice.
Guided by our renewed strategic plan and the vision set by the Board for 2023-2024, we are renewing our organization’s ability to meet its commitments as a national facilitator of research. This has included the addition of Michelle McMullen in January 2024 and Ravneet Kaur in July 2024 who are building on SIP’s ability to deliver in communications, knowledge translation, and research development.
I want to recognize the dedication and hard work of the entire SIP team, including our staff and consultants. Their efforts have been key to advancing our strategic goals and ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of the industry.
Looking ahead, we are excited to implement our Collaborative Action Plan, supported by new research funding through the Canadian Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA). This plan, guided by input from our members and industry partners, is shaping strategic collaboration on national research priorities and defining how our industry will work together to advance priorities in the years to come.
Collaboration is central to our mission. By bringing together industry, academia, and government to work on strategic priorities, we are driving innovation and ensuring that our sector remains resilient and sustainable.
As we look to the future, I want to express my gratitude to all of our partners, including AAFC and the many industry stakeholders who have supported Swine Cluster 4. Your collaboration is key to the success of our research initiatives, and together, we are making a meaningful impact on the Canadian pork industry.
Sincerely,
Daniel Ramage
General Manager
Our Team
In line with the Board’s strategic plan, a renewed team is providing SIP with leadership needed to attain the Canadian pork sector’s current importance and future research ambitions.
2023-24 saw a new addition to the team to lead SIP’s enhanced communications and knowledge transfer efforts.
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SIP'S LASTING IMPACT
Driving productivity advancements in the pork sector results in positives gains for Canada's economy.
Here's how:
1. Generating Knowledge: With improved knowledge, the swine sector's productivity grows across various industries like grain producers, meat packers, and veterinary services. This synergy elevates their performance too.
2. Empowering Productivity: Pork producers and their workforce benefit as productivity increases. Benefits cascade into other sectors, pumping up economic activity and driving higher tax revenues for the government.
3. Creating Economic Value: Our Canadian economy model reveals strong results. SIP's activities from 2010 to 2018 alone increased the GDP by $25-36 million and fueled an impressive $41-47 million boost in combined fiscal revenues for the government.
Productivity enhancing research investments pay off big time!
SIP Impacts
In 2021-22, an independent review of the return on investment from SIP funded research was completed for investments made across Clusters 1 and 2. The results highlight the important impacts achieved through collaborative investments in research.
Knowledge Stock
+11%
Resulting from SIP Funded Research
Productivity Increase
+3.5%
Generated by Increase in Knowledge Stock
GDP Increase
+$25-36 M
Resulting from Higher Productivity
2023-24 SIP Members
National producer representation
