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IN many areas, biosecurity risks to livestock industries due to the presence of feral pigs in the landscape are growing in response to favourable climatic conditions, lack of cross tenure, area-wide coordinated and collaborative management programs and their translocation by humans for hunting. This means that feral pigs may now be inhabiting new areas. Efforts to address these challenges are the focus of many nationwide initiatives supporting the implementation of the National Feral Pig Action Plan 2021-2031 %u2013 feralpigs.com.au/theplan/#ActionPlanRisks of disease transmission between domestic and feral pigs, including exotic diseases such as African swine fever and foot and mouth disease as well as many endemic and zoonotic diseases, continue to pose significant threats to the Australian pork industry. Crucially, such risks are not well understood.Limited data is currently available on the potential for, and likelihood of, direct and indirect contact between feral and domestic pigs that could lead to disease transmission. This knowledge is needed by Australian pork producers, other industry stakeholders and governments to assist with preparing and responding to potential incursions of exotic diseases that may spill over between domestic and feral pigs, in addition to strengthening on-farm to all our valued customers from the Stockyard Industries teamMerry Christmas & a Happy New YearCam Ross0488 045 388Joe Oliveira0437 322 446Matt Bourke0472 902 522www.stockyardindustries.comwww.porknews.com.auVol 28. No. 12 December 2024 Australian Pork Newspaper PO Box 162 Wynnum 4178 Phone (07) 3286 1833 Email ben@collins.mediaPhone: 07 4697 3344 %u2022 Fax 07 4697 3532www.stockyardindustries.comHERE at Australian Pork Limited, our clear purpose is to enable a thriving pork industry for the future. As we enter development of the 2025-2030 strategic plan, we are working to identify and strengthen our approach to ensure we are delivering on our purpose.As part of both APL%u2019s and the Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited%u2019s commitment to research and development, an inaugural green paper was developed and finalised earlier this year.Developed by the 2023 Pork Industry Insight Panel %u2013 which was comprised of APL and APRIL Board members, together with a range of invited producers, processors and research providers %u2013 the broad aim of the panel was to identify and document key industry challenges, opportunities and (potential) targets for the Australian pork industry across the entire value chain.Led by the chief scientist for the Australian pork industry Dr John Pluske, and supported by APL general manager research and innovation Dr Rebecca Morrison and APRIL executive officer Dr Charles Rikard-Bell, the green paper identifies key findings and suggested key targets that are set to be reviewed annually by the PIIP, with this year%u2019s review having commenced in November 2024. By aligning research and development investments to address issues such as workforce shortages, disease control and market expansion, the green paper helps set a strategic direction for a more resilient, sustainable and innovative industry.An essential foundation to producing disease-free pork is to strengthen our focus on keeping diseases out of Australia, being prepared for potential outbreaks and eliminating existing diseases.This will require a focus on biosecurity improvements and advancements in vaccine technology, equipping producers to prevent outbreaks and tackle existing diseases. These measures would protect animal health and ensure production stability.Enhancing social license is another top priority identified by the green paper. Today%u2019s consumers increasingly seek food with ethical and environmental credentials and pork producers are well-positioned to respond. By demonstrating their contributions to human health, community well-being and environmental stewardship, they can further gain public trust. These efforts must be balanced with longterm productivity and profitability, ensuring that ethical practices remain economically viable. Strategic innovations, such as increasing carcass value and managing seasonal demand fluctuations, will be essential to achieving this balance.Another challenge highlighted by the green paper is the shortage of a skilled workforce, particularly in management roles. This skills gap, coupled with a lack of researchers, poses a significant barrier to the industry%u2019s research and development goals. Addressing workforce shortages will require focussed training programs and efforts to attract and retain talent, helping to ensure the industry is equipped with skilled professionals across all levels.Though developed primarily for APL and APRIL, the green paper serves as a valuable resource for the entire industry, offering insights that can benefit everyone, from producers to researchers. By fostering a collaborative approach, this framework promotes efficient resource use and reduces overlap in research initiatives, aligning the industry with emerging opportunities. With suggested targets that include eradicating pleurisy in Australian pig herds by 2030 and achieving self-sufficiency in carbon dioxide supply for export abattoirs, reaching these goals will require coordinated action and investment, but the potential benefits are well worth industry%u2019s efforts.By aligning research and development priorities with APL%u2019s 2025-2030 strategic plan and the needs of producers, processors and consumers, the pork industry can build a sustainable future. The journey may be challenging but with the vision and commitment now outlined in the green paper, the pork industry is wellprepared to adapt and thrive within Australia%u2019s evolving agricultural landscape. Aligning R&D priorities to better deliverPoint of Viewby MARGO ANDRAECEOTwo funded projects to better understand feral and domestic pig contact risks are being carried out in Queensland and Victoria. Photo: Daniel Lewer, Hunter Land ManagementTracking feral pig movements around piggeries to assess disease transmission risksby HEATHER CHANNONNational Feral PigManagement Coordinator* continued P2