Among the itinerary's planned highlights are visits to various pig farms and facilities covering feed production, pig breeding, piglet production and finishing facilities. These visits will be concentrated in the area of Paraná, a key centre for the country's pig production. Also on the cards is a trip to one of Brazil's largest pork processors, Perdigão.

According to the USDA, Brazil's pork production in 2010 will continue to increase at the annual average of nearly four per cent. Pork exporters in the country are also optimistic about prospects for higher exports this year, with a strong focus now on wooing new markets such as China. With favourable feed corn supplies and prices, domestic pork demand is also set to increase as prices are now competitive with beef.

Sven Häuser, EPP Manager, said: "Brazil is one of the largest players in pig production. This trip will be an opportunity for EPP members to gain a more in-depth understanding of the Brazilian pig market and make some key contacts too. The feed sector, especially the soy production, is also an area of interest. It would be a great opportunity to understand the country’s production structure as it is a key producer and exporter of protein feed."

Similar trips have been previously organized in 2009 to China, for example. These visits are part of EPP's social networking and learning initiative, with the aim of exposing members to various aspects of pig production in different countries.

Mr Häuser added: "Participants appreciate the unique opportunity to learn more about pig production in key countries on a practical level. A further advantage of travelling as a group of pig experts is that this sparks off inspiration for new ideas, which members then debate and discuss freely among themselves. Feedback from such trips is always very positive."

For further information on the planned trip, click here.

To download the fax registration form, click here.