Dear readers,
Some positive evolutions for the pig sector:
- Researchers at the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) in Bhopal, India, have created a new vaccine for African swine fever (ASF) as the nation continues its efforts to combat the virus .This local live attenuated ASF vaccine incorporates specific gene deletions derived from an Indian field isolate of ASFV Genotype II within MA-104 cells .It has successfully completed thorough laboratory assessments, which include evaluations of sterility, purity, safety, genetic consistency, immunogenic potential, protective effectiveness, and studies on virulence reversion, according to the institute .The vaccine is advised for pigs in good health starting at eight weeks of age .It is given through a 1 mL injection into the muscle, with a booster shot provided 14 days following the initial vaccination .The Indian vaccine is distinct from the commercially available ASF vaccines found in Vietnam .Those vaccines are based on genetically modified ASF viruses grown in patented proprietary cell cultures, whereas the local vaccine utilizes a widely accessible cell line (MA-104).
- Between September 12 and 30, the campaign titled ‘Eat Spain Drink Spain’ occurs in China .Various Chinese restaurants will provide special themed menus, promotional offers, and workshops focused on Spanish culinary traditions, including Iberian ham, Rioja and Albariño wines, and paella .These efforts are part of partnership agreements established by the Ministry with ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade), the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries, and interprofessional meat associations .This initiative falls under the National Food Strategy and the International Plan for Spanish Gastronomy, aiming to strengthen Spain’s status as a leading force in the global food scene.
Events calendar:
- Asia Grains&Oils Conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is one of the key events in the Central Asian region, which annually brings together representatives of the grain, oilseed and logistics business on one platform, creating space for discussion of market trends of the new season, exchange of views and experience, and establishment of business contacts. It takes place on 16-17 of September.
- The China International Food & Catering Expo is a renowned trade fair that has established itself as a central platform for the entire value chain of the food and hospitality industry. Held at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Expo takes place on 3 days from Friday, 18.09.2026 to Sunday, 20.09.2026 in Changsha.
Lottery
The European Union has prohibited the importation of beef, poultry, and various other animal-derived products from Brazil, posing a significant obstacle for the nation’s meat export industry .
This prohibition was initially declared in May due to the EU’s worries regarding the utilization of antimicrobials by Brazilian livestock farmers .In order for trade to resume, the Brazilian authorities must fulfill the EU’s stipulation of prohibiting antimicrobials throughout the lifecycle of the animals .
Before this restriction, Brazil had shipped around $1.84 billion worth of animal products to the EU, which boasts an economy valued at $18 trillion .From these exports, beef accounted for $1.05 billion (constituting 5.86% of Brazil’s yearly export income) while poultry reached $763 million (representing 8%) .The leading destinations for Brazilian beef within the EU included Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, whereas chicken exports were mainly directed to Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands . Please calculate the percentage of the pork in the in the exports to the EU.
In Spain, weights of the pig carcasses continue to be historically minimal: currently at 84 kg, these figures fall short by 4.2 kg compared to the levels for 2025, following a decline of almost 11 kg within a span of three months .Nonetheless, a slow rebound is anticipated as the weather cools down .Certain slaughterhouses are still functioning just four days per week due to insufficient pigs that meet the required weight .
This is not a joke: group of 36 Danes, selected through a random lottery, has delivered a report containing 33 suggestions aimed at reforming pig farming in Denmark to Christian Rabjerg Madsen, the Minister of Nature and Animal Welfare, along with the Environment and Food Committee of the Danish Parliament .This report will act as the foundation for discussions among the four principal political parties regarding the reorganization of the industry, as reported by Agra Europe .
The recommended actions: decreasing the size of herds, banning the export of live pigs, stopping tail docking practices, and ensuring that animals have more space within their housing .Should the current conditions of breeding remain unchanged, the group advises that conventional pig farming should be halted, which would lead to a drastic 95% decrease in the livestock numbers .
It seems to me that the Danish pig industry didn’t won the lottery…
