EU PiG Innovation Group

Bridging the knowledge gap for a sustainable European pig industry.

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Knowledge transfer project

The European Union (EU) is the world’s second biggest producer of pig meat, and to maintain an economically viable and sustainable industry, innovation is a key factor. EU PiG* was established to create an EU-wide pig network that was not in existence, and to demonstrate significant added value by identifying and addressing the most pertinent challenges faced by the EU pig industry.

 

Led by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in the UK, the network (consisting of 19 partner organisations from 13 member states) included a range of partners from pig producer groups to researchers and economic advisers. The knowledge transfer project focused on connecting pig producers with the latest science and novel technologies, as well as promoting industry best practice.

 

Beta played a pivotal role in supporting the consortium prepare a winning proposal, securing €2 million from the EU’s research programme Horizon 2020.

 

Disseminating best practice

 

The overall aim of the EU PiG project was to identify and validate best practice, combined with scientific knowledge, from across Europe, and to share this best practice with the pig industry via a variety of media.

 

Our experts led on dissemination activities, including strategic communications, project website and publication of end user material, which included 32 case studies of best practice innovations. These case studies, available as factsheets in up to 10 different languages were targeted at pig producers across Europe, to showcase good examples of how specific industry challenges can be addressed.

The project closed with a webinar about the impact and legacy of the programme. From African Swine Fever to the rise of flexitarian consumers, the increase in environmental awareness to increased pressures of high animal welfare – the industry is under continued pressure to change and thrive. Members of the EU PiG consortium demonstrated the significant impact the project’s best practices have had on the EU Pork industry today. The Beta team played a vital role in communications through digital channels and by developing high impact material to engage the industry.

* EU PiG received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 727933.