Animal Virus Filtration / Alcet Nederland B.V.

The European Pig Producers congress in Parma proofed to be a gathering of very pleasant and easy going people. As first time attendees both Nico Smits and myself were welcomed immediately by long-time members of this large European family of pig producers and representatives from the agri-industry. It was a nice talking to all these motivated entrepreneurs that are decided to stay and grow in this rapidly changing industry.

To stay and grow in these challenging times is not easy. Animal welfare and environmental issues and the reduction of the use of antibiotics are only a few of the requirements these producers have been faced with and have dealt with. In a joint effort agri business and early adapters in the industry develop systems that comply with the requirements imposed. A system that has most success is a system that also brings economic improvement to the farmer. Virus filtration of incoming air is such a system: keeping PRRSv and Mycoplasma out leads to healthier pigs which will lead to lower veterinary costs and a better price for the weaned piglet as fattening farms are willing to pay considerably more for them. During the nice diners and sometimes long bus rides in between the visits of this years EPP congress we had many opportunities to talk about filtering and always found people interested.

To become a member of this warm family of leading European Pig Producers is sought after by many suppliers to the industry. The well kept ratio of 2/3 farmers and 1/3 representatives from agri-business leads to interesting constructions. Agri-business representatives from countries with an already well developed local branch, become member of a branch in a country with a branch that still is small. With the strong on export depending Dutch agribusiness I shook hands of many EPP-ers I thought were German or Belgium, but turned out to have the same nationality as myself.

With plans to also set up an Italian branch after this successful congress in Parma I might do the same. On the other hand I can imagine Clarcor won’t might sponsoring the next edition of the annual EPP-congress in Brugge / Belgium…

Nico Smits explaning

Group housing at Brutti Massimo Farm

Well earned refreshment

First salted hams on their way to become prosciutto di Parma

Halfway to become prosciutto di Parma

Two translators during tour 5 of specialty tours EPP congress

Quality check by using small hores bone

Hams that risk to dry out get a extra treatment with fat

Owner Sfefano Benedetti and father explain how they run their operation

Visitors going through the well equiped farrowing rooms

First centrally exhaust pig farm in Italy

Simone Accorsi of Provimi explaining to EPP congress visitors

Finisher pigs do have possibility to exit their pen

Erik Thijssen as EPP chairman hands over the present to Benedetti family

Gala dinner at closing dinner EPP congress Parma

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