Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, launched Bacon Week and said it was an initiative of Australian Pork Limited to celebrate home grown bacon.

“The industry has come a long way in recent years and the future is bright,“ Minister Ludwig said.

“Australian pig meat consumption continues to increase and production is forecast to rise by around 1 per cent to 347,000 tonnes in 2011-12 and by 7 per cent to 370,000 tonnes by 2016-17.

“This is good news for Australian pork producers who produce a range of products including bacon, ham and small goods.

“I encourage pork lovers to buy Australian.“

Minister Ludwig said the pork industry was innovative and working to tackle challenges as well as increase production.

“The innovative thinking of many in the sector has seen Australia’s pork industry grow in leaps and bounds – not only in terms of production and consumer popularity, but also in improved animal welfare and environmental outcomes,“ he said.

“Last November I visited a piggery in Grantham where this industry was involved in the launch of the first methodology in the Carbon Farming Initiative, reducing methane emissions from manure by destroying gas or using it to generate heat and electricity.

“In other areas too, the Australian pig meat industry is working to ensure it has a bright future. The ABARES annual Outlook conference highlighted the achievements of agricultural industries, including responding to consumer demands in labelling and animal welfare.“

Minister Ludwig last week presented the 2012 National Bacon Awards for Excellence in Canberra, congratulating winners on the high quality of their short cut and full rasher bacon products.

Australian Bacon Week runs from 18 to 25 March 2012.