Stephen Curtis, ACMC chairman

This move follows close co-operation between the two companies in major projects in Eastern Europe. In 2002 ACMC shipped 700 Great Grandparent (GGP) stock to establish a nucleus breeding herd in Poland with a production company called Prima Farms. This herd has been stocked to support 150,000 commercial sows.

In 2004, 6,000 GGPs were exported to Romania to establish a 1,000-sow nucleus herd and a 5,000-sow multiplication farm, which has since been increased to 12,000 sows. This breeding programme can support 200,000 sows.

In each case the stock supplied were of high-health status and included the hyper-prolific Meidam which is used to produce the AC1 parent female for the commercial herd. The animals from this line are particularly suited to welfare-friendly production systems.

ACMC is responsible for genetic monitoring to assist in on-going breeding development through a Breeder's Licence and Technology Agreement and provides, from the UK, genetic reporting on a weekly and quarterly basis. This reporting is backed up by technical personal visits.

Both Polish and Romanian staff have been trained in the UK to ensure standardised protocols and procedures.

ACMC is remunerated through genetic fees paid on slaughter pigs. "ACMC has enjoyed a successful working relationship with Smithfield Foods for a number of years and we see their equity stake as a positive step for the future development of our company," commented ACMC chairman, Stephen Curtis.