APL, on behalf of the Animal Welfare Alliance working group, secured $150,000 to develop a strategic direction concerning animal welfare with other livestock industries. The group comes together under the Industry Stocktakes project and includes representatives from Australian Wool Innovation, the Australian Lot Feeders Association, the Sheep Meat Council of Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia.

A further $130,000 was secured by APL for a project which will analyse the life cycle of the pig industry on-farm. This funding will help establish a greater understanding of the process, and form the base for the pig industry's future, planning and long-term sustainability. The project will encompass environmental sustainability, housing and production systems, bottom-line reporting and food miles issues.

APL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Spencer said this recent round of funding will assist APL in effectively improving and enhancing Australia's pork industry for the future.

"This funding comes at a time when not just the pork industry but all rural industries are doing it tough," Mr Spencer said. "It does not provide direct relief to our producers, however, it does ensure we can use our experiences from these times, and strengthen Australia's pork industry for the future."

Earlier this year APL also secured funding for $130,000 for the Feed Partnership Initiative on behalf of participants of the Feed Partnership. Participants in the Feed Partnership include various Research and Development Corporations, grain and value adding livestock industries.