"We have a strong team that's working with the industry to develop a new set of research projects all within the Road to Recovery strategy," he added.

During the past 12 months British pig industry has been faced by a ban on antibiotic growth promoters, IPPC legislation, the prospect of greater carbon/climate change levies, increased feed prices and pressure to improve health and reduce costs. BPEX has been working with producers and industry to meet these challenges and help them to increase efficiency, investment and financial returns.

Activities have covered all areas in the production chain, from breeding and genetics to growing, finishing, nutrition, management, meat eating quality and food safety. However, the technical team want more feedback and input from producers when constructing thier development programme.

"We have completed many projects during the year - and the annual report reviews them - but we want to know what producers want. How can we better deliver support, what do you think we should be doing more off, please let me know," he added.

Mark can be contacted via email at: [email protected]

The BPEX annual report is free. Copies are available from: [email protected]