The Atlantic Swine Research Partnership (www.asrp.ca) is a joint venture company of Pork Nova Scotia, Porc NB Pork and PEI Pork. A Board of Directors selected from farmers across the region will oversee the corporation.

Dr. Daniel Hurnik, a swine researcher from the University of Prince Edward Island, has been selected as the Chief Executive Officer of the company, which for now is located at the Atlantic Veterinary College on the UPEI campus. Much of the research will be conducted at the University's swine research facility This partnership offers pork producers a unique opportunity to direct research activities that are relevant to their needs. A survey of all pork producers in the Maritimes was carried out in 2002 to identify the key areas that we, as researchers, need to prioritize. The categories were similar for all regions and this sends a clear signal for research direction.

Dr. Hurnik noted that pork producers have identified four priorities for research. These priorities centre on: reducing the cost of production, nutrition, herd health and environmental management. When the research projects require expertise that is beyond the skill of any one researcher, the partnership will coordinate with other professionals to complete the projects.

The Atlantic Swine Research Partnership has also initiated an information technology processes to deliver the research findings to pork producers and industry partners.

The company has developed a daily email service that is sent to producers and industry partners and offers original research from the company's researchers as well as relevant research from around the world. We also have a website where producers can access full research articles. This communications strategy is a great information and learning tool for Maritime hog farmers and keeps them abreast of current trends in pork production, added Dr. Hurnik.

The partnership plans to bring on stream a second research position for manure and environmental management. Manure disposal, nutrient management, and odour control have become significant factors affecting cost of production as well as eliciting community concern. The partnership plans to create a manure management research chair at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Source: Atlantic Swine Research Partnership - February 2003
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