Responding to increasing (inter)national demands for sustainable, healthy and animal friendly pork
Collaboration for maximum impact
In the Netherlands, livestock farming is among the most advanced sectors. Our integrated pig chain is innovative, efficient and sustainable. Close cooperation between government, agricultural entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions has resulted in state-of-the-art technology and breeding programs that are both sustainable and animal-friendly.
This public-private partnership Optimization of the Argentinian pig chain is a collaboration between the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the Netherlands Embassy in Argentina, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and representatives of the Dutch pig sector for the next three years.
The GITAH Porcino Cluster wants to extend the invitation to work together with Argentina. Together we can provide the world with more efficient, environmentally-friendly, social and economically sustainable pig products. By working together, we can positively influence the lives of people and animals. Economic growth and jobs for people, improved health and well-being for animals.
GITAH Porcino
The Argentinian pig sector has developed rapidly in recent years, and the combination of global trends and the country’s natural conditions mean future prospects for the sector are bright. We would like to help Argentina take advantage of these trends: to become self-sufficient first, and cater to the international demand for pig meat afterwards. Through knowledge transfer and trainings we provide farmers with the tools to sustainably develop their business further and improve their own lives as well as that of their animals. People, animals, and the planet all benefit.
GITAH Porcino combines innovative and state-of-the-art technology with a basic general knowledge programme and technology-specific training. Our cluster members cover the entire pig meat value chain, from feed and flooring to slaughter and meat processing. Together we offer an integrated approach to intensify pig farming, without negative effects on animal welfare or the environment.
We offer our extensive knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and our excellent agro-logistics, all adapted to Argentinian circumstances. We can support you in improving your farm management, primary production capacity, and slaughter and processing technology. We offer genetic material, insemination technology, antibiotic-free aids, floor systems, manure processing - and biogas production, climate control, farm management systems, and much, much more. And in return, we would love to learn from you.
By working together, we can accelerate the transition to more sustainable and profitable pig farming. So, let’s exchange information, knowledge, and technology and inspire each other and the rest of the world, how together we can farm the future!
Safe, nutritious and tasty meat
To achieve global food security now and in the future, we need to substantially increase our supply of safe, nutritious, and tasty meat, while adhering to the highest animal welfare standards. The Netherlands aims to contribute to this vision by supporting meat producers around the world to optimize the meat chain. By supplying knowledge, expertise and technology, we help meat producers respond to the increasing national and international demand for high-quality, socially responsible and environmentally friendly pig products.
Solutions
GITAH Porcino’s innovative solutions concerning breeding, nutrition, propagation, fattening, slaughter, processing and side-stream handling supported by specialized management, I&R and tracking and tracing systems will be deployed to help to optimize the entire Argentina pig chain.
An integrated approach
Each member of the cluster is specialized in a specific part of the pig production and processing chain. From genetics and animal nutrition, flooring systems, housing technology, and farm management tools up to slaughtering, further processing equipment, and side-stream treatment. Supported by a specialist in knowledge exchange. New Dutch technologies, knowledge, and know-how with a focus on cost-efficient sustainable, and animal-friendly pig production. As the development of the pig sector contains different facets, each party will benefit and be reinforced by the presence of additional expertise. Cooperation between the members and the local stakeholders will result in an efficient optimization of the pig sector in Argentina.
Dutch-Argentine pig chain
In the Netherlands, livestock farming is among the most advanced sectors. The Dutch integrated pig chain is innovative, efficient and sustainable. Close cooperation between government, agricultural entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions has resulted in state-of-the-art technology and breeding programmes that are both sustainable and animal-friendly.
The GITAH Porcino Cluster wants to extend this invitation to work together with Argentina. Together we can provide the world with more efficient, environmentally-friendly, social, and economically sustainable pig products. By working together, we can positively influence the lives of people and animals. Economic growth and jobs for people, improved the health and well-being of animals.
The Argentinian pig sector has developed rapidly in recent years, and the combination of global trends and the country’s natural conditions mean future prospects for the sector are bright. We would like to help Argentina take advantage of these trends: to become self-sufficient first, and cater to the international demand for pig meat afterwards. Through knowledge transfer and training we provide farmers with the tools to sustainably develop their business further and improve their own lives as well as that of their animals. People, animals, and the planet all benefit.
By working together, we can accelerate the transition to more sustainable pig farming. So, let’s exchange information, knowledge, and technology and inspire each other and the rest of the world, how together we can farm the future!
| The Netherlands | Argentina | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface: | 41.543 km2 | 2.780.000 km2 |
| Inhabitants: |
17.4 million persons |
45.4 million persons |
| Pigs: | 12 million animals | 5.2 million animals |
| Location characteristics |  |
|
| Sandy soils | Corn and soybean production areas |
Activities GITAH 2021-2023
Argentina is one of the main pig producing countries in Latin America that developed itself considerably during the last two decades. The objective of GITAH is to further optimize the supply chain together with the Argentine counterparts. After various visits and based on the inputs of the Argentine chain members GITAH came to the conclusion that the following aspects within the Argentina pig chain have great potential to reach an even higher level: optimization of genetics, application of technology, interchange of knowledge and increase availability of external finance.
To realize a successful strategy it has been decided upon to apply an integral and broad plan of action with attention to all links of the pig production and processing chain on technical, economic, and management level. Important as well is the interaction on knowledge infrastructure (research, advice, and education).
GITAH will realize several activities within the period 2021-2023
- Realization of demonstration projects
- Market research
- Organization of incoming and outgoing missions
- Participation at fairs
- Exchange of students
- Development of a practical knowledge exchange program
- Implementation of a Management Training Program
- Organization of Seminars and Webinars
Partners
The GITAH Porcino cluster combines innovative and state-of-the-art technology with a basic general knowledge program and technology-specific training adapted to Argentinian circumstances.
The GITAH partners cover the entire pig meat value chain, from the feed, genetic material, insemination technology, antibiotic-free aids, floor systems, manure processing - and biogas production, climate control, farm management systems, to slaughter and meat processing solutions.
Together we offer an integrated approach to intensify pig farming, without negative effects on animal welfare, health and the environment.
Agrifirm – Animal Nutrition
Royal Agrifirm Group contributes to a responsible food chain for future generations. The company delivers measurable, relevant and sustainable value at farm, field and industry.
By the concept of farming ideas, Agrifirm will provide technological solutions in animal nutrition through its global additives brand, Agrimprove. In combination with an integrated approach with customers, Agrifirm aims to improve performance, animal health and nutrition. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
AgroVision – Farm management systems
AgroVision supplies specialized software for breeding and feeding herds. With our management programs, mobile apps and reporting tools you get more insight into your business process and better management information to make better decisions. Get more out of your pig data to be more profitable in the pig business! Please watch the introduction video of this business.
Hotraco Agri BV – Climate control
Hotraco Agri offers complete barn automation systems that regulate, control and monitor continuously your barn processes. These systems are suitable for all types of housing for sows, piglets and fattening pigs and allow comfortable remote control via computer, tablet or smartphone. Through this, the animals remain in optimum condition of wellbeing and perform better. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
LeeO – Livestock Precision Farming
LeeO is a company dedicated to the Registration of individual pigs from birth to consumption. LeeO is an application for farmers, researchers and processors. It maps out a pig’s entire life cycle: from birth to slaughter and processing of the meat. LeeO records all significant events within the pig’s life cycle, connecting all stages of the production cycle. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
NEDAP – Livestock Management
Nedap Livestock Management is a world leader in automation within the livestock industry thanks to its individual animal identification technique. Nedap's simple technology continuously manages and administrates millions of pigs every day at the world's best farmers. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
Nooyen Pig Flooring – Floor systems
Nooyen Pig Flooring is the market leader by developing and producing innovative solutions and quality products with a focus on animal welfare, hygiene and economic benefit for the livestock farmer. Nooyen offers a total package in floor systems for farrowing pens, sows, piglet breeding and fatteners.
Depending on your individual requirements you can select V-shaped steel, coated slats, cast-iron slats or a combination of these materials. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
Roodbont Publishers - International publishers
Roodbont Publishers is an international publishing company specializing in tailor-made knowledge for farmers, agricultural advisers, veterinarians and leading companies in the agricultural sector worldwide.
Roodbont Publishers delivers content and practical training programs that have helped 2 million farmers worldwide improving their technical and economic output. Roodbont delivers validated knowledge tools in Spanish, to obtain the best results possible for Argentine farm workers and managers. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
MS Schippers – Daily animal supplies with an antibiotic free focus
MS Schippers serves livestock farmers and goes to great lengths for it. MS Schippers continuously develops products and services which allow the farmer to “improve farming¨ with a special focus on hygiene and optimal care of the animals. With good hygiene, the farmer can also ensure that animals feel better, live better and bring more returns. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
TopigsNorsvin – Swine Genetics
Topigs Norsvin is the most innovative swine genetic company in the world. The first company at European level.
Topigs Norsvin provides products with high genetic merit and solutions for the pig production and industry. We have the best team of professionals focusing on our clients to obtain the greatest benefit and evolution of the potential of Topigs Norsvin products. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
VDZ Trading – Slaughtering equipment
Van der Zanden is specialist in used and new equipment for the slaughtering, meat processing and related waste management systems. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
Veldman Group - Turnkey Farm Construction
Veldman Group provides turn-key stables, with a specialty in pig stables. The entire process can be provided from the design, the construction, technical equipment, to the training on site. The design is tailored to the specific situation and location to realize the best performance on the farm. We supply high quality European equipment from our own brand and from trusted suppliers. Please watch the introduction video of this business.
Collaborative partner
Wageningen University & Research
‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’ is the mission of Wageningen University & Research. Over 6,500 employees and 12,000 students from more than hundred countries work everywhere around the world in the domain of healthy food and living environment for governments and the business community-at-large.
The strength of Wageningen University & Research lies in its ability to join the forces of specialized research institutes and the university. It also lies in the combined efforts of the various fields of natural and social sciences. Please watch the introduction video of this university.
Coordinator
JV-Events
JV-events has many years of organisation experience within the agricultural sector in general and the pig sector in specific. JV-events has been responsible for the organisation of trade missions, congresses, events and field trips for many Dutch agri-food companies such as For Farmers, Geurts, Rabobank, Agrifirm and even the European Rural Parliament.
In 2018 JV-events organised a private pig mission to Argentina in cooperation with Agrivalue SA and is therefore well known by the majority of the companies interested in the PIB project (Agrovision, Nedap, Nooyen) and participated in the field mission to the Netherlands visiting various slaughter facilities (amongst others with technology of VDZ trading).
Liaison
Agrivalue SA - Liaison
Agrivalue is an internationally operating business consulting firm specialized in business development support within the agri-food industry from primary production to processing, marketing and sales.
The company has broad experience with the Argentine pig production chain as it has executed several business plans and feasibility studies for (inter)national enterprises with interest in investment in pig production and processing in Argentina.
