Wageningen Economic Research conducted a study on the potential consequences of a free trade agreement between Mexico and the EU. The Dutch government is concerned that giving access to products from countries with a lower level of animal welfare could undermine the EU welfare standard. This study shows that production costs are lower in Mexico compared to the EU in all three sectors investigated: egg production, poultry meat and pig meat. In egg production in particular, the welfare standard in Mexico is far below the EU standard. Nevertheless, it is concluded that for all products (eggs, egg products, poultry meat and pig meat) in a free trade situation no large amount of imports from Mexico can be expected

To keep a viable pig sector in South Korea and a high self-sufficiency in pig meat, zootechnical performance, biosecurity management, and animal health management of South Korean pig farmers should be improved. Can training of South Korean farmers and training of their advisors increase the speed at which the pig sector in South Korea improves beyond the autonomous development? For all three topics, a small autonomous improvement was observed from 2017 to 2020. However, we cannot draw statistically reliable conclusions whether the two types of training increased the speed because of too few participants. Performance and management were measured in two surveys. A baseline survey, held before the first training, yielded 241 respondents and an endline survey, held after the last training, yielded 187 respondents. Of 107 respondents, we could link baseline and endline, of which eight participated in a training and 17 had their advisor in a training. Statistical analyses were performed on all respondents and on the 107 linked respondents. These included descriptive statistics and analyses of differences in responses between baseline en endline and in development between respondents with and without training and with and without their advisor in training (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired t-test, McNemar test, Mann-Whitney U test, depending on variable type).

Which knowledge transfer would be helpful for pig production in China to increase sustainability and efficiency, and which ways of knowledge exchange are suitable? An analysis of these questions was performed. Knowledge sharing can be directed towards both large companies and middle-sized family farms. Needs regarding topics and approach differ among both types of farms. A train-the-trainer approach seems suitable for middle management (foremen) and family farm owners, making them ambassadors for further dissemination. Dutch companies have a potential role in knowledge transfer to Chinese trade partners, as the Netherlands is seen as a role model for the Chinese pig industry. Research has been performed on the apparently existing knowledge gap in Chinese pig production, against the background of policy and the societal situation, based on limited literature research and on interviews.

The cost of pig production in Northwest Europe in 2022 amounted to €2.03 per kg hot carcass weight. This was an increase of 26% compared to 2021. The main reason was the rising feed cost. Pig production in the Netherlands had just above average costs compared to neighbouring countries with €2.08 per kg. In piglet production it had a cost advantage compared to e.g., Germany, however, this advantage did not apply to finishing. Non-European countries Brazil and the USA had some 20% lower production costs than European countries. Findings come from InterPIG, an international network of experts in the economy of pig production in 18 countries with 20 years of experience in harmonised cost comparison.

For the transition towards pig farming without tail docking, an analysis has been performed of the cost increase, of conditions for supply chain implementation, and of the possibilities and feasibility of a calamity fund. Costs are mounting up to €26 per delivered pig, and to €29 per pig during the learning phase. Under the assumption that 5-15% of the pigs will have tail damage and thus will not be eligible for compensation, a remuneration of €28-31 per pig with undocked tail in good condition is necessary to cover costs on farm level. This derives from a model-based analysis, where assumptions were based on literature and interviews.