Dr. Peter Phillips of the University of Saskatchewan says new research confirms that investments in Canada’s swine sector are generating significant economic returns while strengthening long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
The findings were presented during a national webinar hosted by Swine Innovation Porc and are detailed in the report Research to Results: Measuring the Impact of Pork Research in Canada.
$50 Million Invested — $250 Million Returned
According to Dr. Phillips, the impact assessment examined approximately $50 million in aggregate research investments over the past 13–14 years, with an additional $20 million currently underway but not yet evaluated.
The results show:
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Total Assessed Investment: ~$50 million
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Estimated Economic Return: ~$250 million
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Return on Investment (ROI): ~30 percent
“That’s a substantial contribution to agriculture and to the national economy,” Phillips noted.
A Competitive, Export-Driven Sector
Canada’s pork sector remains highly export-oriented and continues to play an important role in the broader agricultural economy. Phillips emphasized that maintaining this position requires continuous research investment.
Pork production has demonstrated strong productivity growth, with the broader agri-food sector achieving productivity gains of approximately 2.5 to 3 percent annually. These gains are essential not only for competing internationally, but also domestically.
“If you can’t remain competitive and producing product with profit,” Phillips explained, “workers, capital and land will be bid away for other uses.”
Research as the Foundation of Productivity
The report highlights research as the underlying driver of:
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Improved production efficiency
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Enhanced sustainability
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Innovation and technology adoption
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Strengthened global competitiveness
In a sector where margins are tight and global competition is constant, research provides the foundation for continued productivity gains and long-term economic resilience.
For more information on Research to Results: Measuring the Impact of Pork Research in Canada, visit Swine Innovation Porc.
