Unveiling the Green Revolution in Pork Production: A 7.5% GHG Reduction
Imagine a future where the pork industry not only thrives but also contributes to a healthier planet. Well, it's not just a dream anymore! PIC genetics has just proven that it's possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in North American pork production, and the numbers are impressive.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, eye-opening. A recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has confirmed that by utilizing PIC's full genetic program, pork producers can achieve a remarkable 7.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the industry average. And this is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards a more sustainable future.
The Science Behind the Numbers
PIC, in collaboration with Dr. Greg Thoma, a renowned environmental modeling expert, conducted an in-depth LCA study. This study analyzed the environmental impact of pig breeding on North American pig production, monitoring the entire lifecycle, from live swine production to slaughter.
The results speak for themselves. The North American LCA, along with its European counterpart, is a groundbreaking achievement, being among the first to quantify the environmental benefits of swine genetic improvement and receive ISO certification. Here's a breakdown of the key findings:
- North American LCA: Full program PIC genetics (sire + dam) reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.5% compared to the industry average.
- European LCA: Similar results, with a 7.7% reduction in GHG emissions.
- Asian Impact: In China and Japan, full program PIC genetics reduced emissions by a staggering 10% and 10.2%, respectively, compared to their industry averages.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
These findings bring the swine industry one step closer to proving that genetics is a reliable pathway to improve land, feed, and water usage, as well as reduce carbon emissions. It's a win-win situation, as producers can achieve these environmental benefits without changing their traditional pig-rearing practices, investing in new equipment, or adding feed additives.
The Need for Proof and Verification
In today's world, where sustainability claims are on the rise, the need for credible evidence is paramount. PIC's LCAs provide just that, utilizing years of swine production data from multiple countries, a large number of sows, and diverse environments. Each regional LCA has achieved ISO conformance, ensuring the highest level of rigor and credibility.
The North American LCA, published in the peer-reviewed journal Animals, further solidifies the credibility of these findings. Additional publications are forthcoming, ensuring that the swine industry has access to publicly available, peer-reviewed resources to support their sustainability commitments through genetic improvement.
Unlocking Novel Value with Genetic Carbon™
Genetic Carbon™ is the term used to describe the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through PIC's genetic innovation and improvement. The environmental benefits are inherent in PIC pigs' genetics, offering a built-in sustainability solution.
Improvements in feed efficiency, growth, and survivability have been quantified as emissions reductions, providing producers with a novel way to add value to their operations. The LCAs provide the scientific backing for Genetic Carbon™, demonstrating that these benefits are measurable and defensible.
A Framework for the Future
PIC, in partnership with the U.S. National Pork Board and the Meat Institute, is developing a carbon claiming framework. This framework will empower U.S. pork producers to generate environmental value and potentially access additional revenue streams. It also enables meat packers, processors, and retailers with pork in their supply chains to measure and claim Genetic Carbon™ as progress towards their climate commitments.
The Journey Towards a Greener Future
PIC's commitment to sustainability doesn't end here. They continue to work towards a greener future, and their genetic innovations are a testament to that. Learn more about PIC's sustainability initiatives and be a part of this exciting journey towards a more sustainable pork industry.
Note: All data and findings are based on the referenced Life Cycle Assessments and are subject to further analysis and interpretation.
