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An independent, member-based research organisation, the Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd (APRIL) seeks to benefit the Australasian pork industry by investing in research and development, education and training, and commercialisation activities focused on priorities and deliverables that ensure the sustainability of Australasian pork production, and generate optimal returns for its stakeholders.
To build upon APRIL’s current research investments, approaching $2 million, in 2018 and again this year with a number of Innovation Projects, APRIL is currently seeking applications for co-investment in its Transformational Project and Industry Priority Project schemes.
The two Transformational Projects identified by APRIL address the industry issues of Enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in the Australasian pork industry through targeted reduction of in-feed medications without adverse health consequences, and Elimination of the need for tail docking in Australasian pork production systems. APRIL is seeking a program (or programs) of research and development, likely to be multi-disciplinary in nature, that will significantly address and impact positively these two issues.
APRIL’s Industry Priority Projects address a number of key areas that will also shape the future Australasian pork industry landscape. Priority areas include issues such as Novel approaches to allow increased use of food wastes in pig diets, Making pigs more tolerant to heat, Detecting sow reproductive state more efficiently and effectively, and Biodegradable packaging solutions for pork products. The complete list of Industry Priority Project priorities can be found at www.april.com.au.
Professor John Pluske, APRIL Chief Scientist/CEO, commented, “Consistent with APRIL’s leverging model, a minimum level of co-investment of 25% cash (of the total project cost) is required for APRIL to consider co-investing in projects. However, and the Transformational Projects especially, lend themselves to potentially significantly higher levels of external investment, and researchers/organisations interested in applying should seek these avenues wherever possible. Furthermore, as education and training are key priorities for APRIL, researchers are encouraged to explore the opportunity of including tertiary training in their proposals, if appropriate”.
Applications for APRIL’s Transformational Project and Industry Priority Project schemes can be lodged by individuals/organisations currently working in the Australasian pork industry, but are also welcomed from individuals and organisations not necessarily having a direct connection. This may include overseas organisations and companies. Potential applicants should be aware of APRIL’s membership base and the prospective advantages interactions with members may bring to a proposal.
Applications for both Transformational and Industry Priority Projects opened on September 16th. It is anticipated that funding for successful projects would occur after April, 2020.
October 8, 2019 - APRIL
