IX International Symposium on Mediterranean Pig

The 9th International Symposium on the Mediterranean Pig will take place in Portalegre, Portugal, between the 3rdand the 5th November, 2016. It aims, as its eight previous editions, to be an important forum of discussion of key issues regarding the production of autochthonous pig breeds from countries and regions around the Mediterranean.

The growing importance of consumer interest intraditional high quality products from autochthonous pigs, especially those which have been granted a designation of originbrand by the European Union, has led to a recovery of local pig breeds in many regions of the Mediterranean. The marketing of these products is of crucial importance to the economy of disadvantaged rural areas in many regions of Europe, and a significant contribution tothe income of family farming, that must be preserved. Finally, the fact that pork is a part of the Mediterranean Diet, declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, as well as the revival of the traditions associated with the production of autochthonous pigs for tourism, and also the establishment of populations in rural areas with agricultural and livestock activities from low-inputagriculture, reinforce the need to continue to enhance and improve the knowledge about the different breeds of the Mediterranean pig.

For all these reasons, the 9th International Symposium on the Mediterranean Pig is a unique opportunity to bring together producers, technicians, researchers and policy makers from the various Mediterranean countries, promoting the exchange of experiences, knowledge and expertise to improve production systems and transformation of the Mediterranean pork products, making them more profitable, healthy and sustainable, combining tradition and innovation.

We invite all those involved in production, processing and marketing as well as research and dissemination of knowledge, to participate in the 9th International Symposium on the Mediterranean Pig.