The deal, which has the potential to open up future markets in other Baltic States, followed a presentation at a meeting in Kedainiai, by ACMC managing director Matthew Curtis to a group of pig producers representing over half the country's national pig herd.

"Although Lithuania has only 80,000 sows the majority are in the hands of a few people who are dynamic, forward-thinking and keen to invest," commented Mr Curtis. "With Lithuania joining the EU, a considerable amount of capital is being invested to modernise the industry."

The Lithuanians were particularly impressed with ACMC's hyper-prolific Meidam female which, when used with the company's own boars, still produces finished pigs with excellent carcase characteristics.

Matthew Curtis, managing director of ACMC, who has just signed an agreement with a Lithuanian marketing company for the supply of breeding stock