It brings the total number of projects so far to 39 and BPEX has committed about 32 million to the scheme.

Results from some of the earlier projects are starting to come through and are showing direct benefits for British pig producers.

BPEX Marketing Manager Chris Lukehurst said: "The grant scheme was set up as part of the BPEX Road to Recovery Strategy which is designed to provide a sustainable future for the British pig industry.

"The scheme itself aims to encourage activity that improves co-operation up and down supply chains and we are now supporting a number of exciting projects in chains of all sizes.

"We will be reporting on the progress and success of these to encourage similar co-operation from other suppliers, processors and retailers.

"I am looking forward to another batch of diverse and interesting projects aimed at improving our industry from the next round of applications which opens on Monday, December 6 and closes on Saturday, January 22, 2005."

Source: British Pig Executive - 11th October 2004