Foreword

In an increasingly competitive global trading environment, continuous effort to develop more cost effective products that are more closely aligned to consumer needs, are vital. In this respect, the Australian pork industry is no different to any other, but in being one of the few domestic agricultural industries heavily exposed to world trade through import competition, these efforts take on a significance greater than would otherwise be the case.

Research and development is the driver for innovation, productivity and long term cost competitiveness. This document outlines a strategy for the Australian pork industry designed to optimise the execution and outcomes of future research and development (including the technology transfer of those R&D outcomes). The strategy should be seen as one applying to the industry as a whole, and has been put together through the co-operation of industry bodies such as Australian Pork Limited, the Pork Co-operative Research Centre, Federal and State government agencies, Universities and other research providers.

The objectives behind this strategy are simple – to optimise the combined infrastructure and resources existing around the country, under the management of the various interested parties, for the purposes of carrying out research, development and extension for the Australian pork industry.

Just as our markets are competitive, so is the access to resources for research and development. Pressures exist on all stakeholders involved with R&D for the pork industry in many different forms – whether it is government budgets, reduced producer levy income or demands on higher and higher returns on investment.

Through a co-ordinated effort, where all involved agree to co-operate and work in a common direction for the benefit of the pork industry, the benefits flowing from research, development and extension can be significantly improved.

We are confident that we have in this strategy, the blueprint for such an R,D&E outcome. It is now the challenge for all of us involved to turn the blueprint into a reality so that it will deliver sustainable and competitive outcomes.

Mr Enzo Allara¹
Chair
Australian Pork Limited

Dr John Keniry¹
Chair
Pork CRC

¹ signatures can be found in the PDF available from the contents page.

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