About Us Australian
Pig Farmers (APF)was formed to fill a void in the Australian pig
industry. Flow of information and support for small pig herd owners
was not being offered by peak industry bodies. Current research
and development, Quality Assurance programs, training programs and
marketing are all targeted at the intensive pork producer. The
smallholder is generally dismissed by the large scale, commercial pig
industry. "The smallholder pig farmer is often accused of non
compliance and being a disease risk" says Lee McCosker, founder of
Australian Pig Farmers. "Information is not reaching these people and
little effort is made to remedy this situation. Many small producers
see their industry body as intimidating and unapproachable and this only
serves to compound the problem. We are building a user friendly
resource for smallholders as well as those seeking to enter the
industry." Approximately 70% of Australian Pork Limited (APL)
membership is made up of farms with less than 100 sows, yet, the
smallholder has no voice or representation and little is on offer for
small producers and those practicing alternate pork production methods. What is a Smallholder? A Smallholder typically lives on small acreage and farms animals
as a hobby, for their own consumption or sells small numbers of animals for
profit.
Our Philosophy To
unite owners of small pig herds interested in the ethical treatment of
their animals, to promote high animal welfare standards and
environmentally sound practices that result in the production of safe,
healthy food.