Pilot projects in SA and Queensland will employ a minimum of four autistic adults in animal care positions within SunPork Farms operations in each state.

Collectively, development and assessment of the programme represents a financial commitment by SunPork Farms, Autism CRC and Specialisterne exceeding $800,000.

Programme goals include:

• Identifying and employing diverse skills and talents of autistic adults in animal care
• Developing innovative solutions that continue to provide optimal welfare for livestock
• Building capacity within the agricultural sector to employ autistic adults.

Pork CRC CEO, Roger Campbell, said the CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork was proud to be involved with such a game changing project and encouraged everyone to make the opportunity known to those who might be eligible to apply.

“It’s the most exciting project we’ve been involved with and I congratulate Autism CRC and SunPork Farms for coming up with something so innovative,” Dr Campbell said.

“This initiative will open up a whole new world to autistic people and those on the autism spectrum and with Australia’s pork industry needing to boost its pool of dedicated animal carers to maintain and, indeed, improve our existing high welfare standards, this is a win-win for all parties.

“World leading Pork CRC supported science and research and development has clearly demonstrated the very real link between good stockmanship and good productivity.

“With this in mind, I believe we can continue to improve welfare and productivity outcomes by embracing a new group of enthusiastic, incentivised piggery workers.”