The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders took part in the event that brought together specialists in various fields related to animal health from 130 countries (Rome, Italy, December 12-14). The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Briefly about the main theses from the event.

Jim Long Pork Commentary – December 11, 2023

The EU's pig meat production and exports are anticipated to decline by 2035 due to stricter environmental laws, reduced export opportunities, societal criticism, and African swine fever. Projected to decrease by 0.9% annually, pigmeat production is expected to fall by almost 2 million tons compared to 2021-2023. Per capita consumption is also projected to drop by 0.7% yearly, reaching 29.7 kg in 2035, a 7% decrease from 2021-2023 levels.

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained prevalent zoonotic diseases in the EU in 2022, as per the annual report by the European Food Safety Authority. Although cases were lower than pre-pandemic levels, campylobacteriosis reported 137,107 cases, with chicken meat as the primary source.

Compared to the November report, estimates for world corn production and trade improved slightly, and Brazilian soybean projections were cut.

About diseases of sows and conditions that affect sows and potentially affect their litters shared Justin Brown, a swine veterinarian and assistant teaching professor at Iowa State University and with the Swine Medicine Education Center, invited speaker at the online school for pig farmers, implemented by the Association Ukrainian Pig Breeders with the support of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The protocol for access to production facilities has been implemented at Goodvalley Ukraine LLC. Access to animal buildings has three control points.

Pork demand fell about 10% in the third quarter from the same time last year, according to data analyzed in a recent pork industry webinar by Lee Schulz, an economist and professor at Iowa State University. Even though pork prices are no longer rising, they remain at historic highs that consumers aren’t willing to pay.

The pig feed sector was most severely affected in 2023, experiencing a further decline of almost 2.5 million tons.

European countries have substantially reduced sales of veterinary antibiotics, which translates into a lower risk of bacteria becoming resistant in people and animals.

Poultry and aquaculture set for modest growth as beef, pork and wild catch seafood to contract.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan asserts that the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock has been prohibited in Vietnam. From 2026, their usage will be permitted only in specific cases under supervision.

The Commission has proposed the biggest reform of EU animal welfare rules during transport in 20 years.

Several restrictions have been removed in the newly defined outer area.

The following dynamic graph shows us how pork production (in millions of tons) has evolved over the last 25 years as well as the rankings by country and how these have been changing.

Below is a graph from FAO – Pig 333 that clearly shows the global increase in meat production over the last twenty years.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has launched a nationwide crackdown on substandard agricultural machinery following media reports uncovering a scheme to exploit government subsidies.

One of the best biosecurity practices on pig farms is to not allow any vehicles on the farm. Instead, feed and other inputs should be loaded in a demarcation zone — a designated area between the outer and inner perimeters of the farm with controlled access.  

Italy leads European countries in decreasing the use of antimicrobials.

Exports resume for canned beef and pork and beef and pork extracts.