Pig research facility to be built in Elora

The Ontario government has teamed up with Ontario Pork to build a new state-of-the-art swine research facility in Elora.

They'll be working with the University of Guelph to study animal health, nutrition and welfare, consumer-oriented research and reproduction.

The project is estimated to cost $15 million and will be located at the Elora Research Station, where other research facilities include crops, dairy and beef cattle research.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardeman said the new facility will replace a location in Arkell, which opened in 1975 and is now nearing the end of its lifecycle.

"If you look at the change in the swine industry since 1975, it's remarkable," said Hardeman.  

"The main research of how we can improve efficiencies and quality in the swine industry, we have to do that on a larger basis. That's where the Ontario government, University of Guelph and Ontario Pork work together to get that done." 

In a statement, Eric Schwindt, chair of Ontario Pork, said the project will support the development of new technologies and practices.

"This new facility will draw industry investment and research talent to southern Ontario and will ensure the pork sector remains a vital contributor to economic growth in the province," said Schwindt.

"We look forward to working with our partners in the Government of Ontario and at the University of Guelph as this exciting project comes to fruition."

The $15 million project includes $12 million from the Ontario government through the Agriculture Research Institute of Ontario. Ontario Pork, which represents 1200 pork producers, is putting in $3 million.

The facility is expected to take three years to build.