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From 20–22 May 2026, the European Pig Producers (EPP) Congress took place in Poznań, Poland, bringing together over 260 participants from across Europe. Hosted at the Radisson Andersia Hotel & Spa, this year’s congress focused on the theme “Poland – Towards top of EU pig production!?”, highlighting the country’s growing importance within the European pig sector.
The event gathered farmers, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss key developments shaping the future of pig production. Across three days, participants engaged in a diverse programme covering structural changes in Polish pig farming, market outlooks, farm profitability, the importance of pig health and the role of pig welfare in sustainable production systems.
The opening sessions set the scene by exploring Poland’s rapid transformation in pig production, driven by modernization, investment, and evolving market dynamics. Discussions also addressed broader questions on the future of pork as a sustainable protein source, as well as the factors influencing profitability in an increasingly complex global market.
Technical sessions throughout the congress focused on practical aspects of pig production, including piglet rearing, lung health, and gut health, emphasizing the economic and welfare benefits of improved herd management. These were complemented by excursions to farms and agri-businesses in the Wielkopolska region, to get a firsthand experience with the integration of sustainability, efficiency, and modern technologies in practice.
On the final day, attention turned to emerging topics such as traceability in the swine sector and the impact of animal health on product quality. The programme also featured a presentation of the EU Horizon funded WelFarmers project.
Neil Joseph Tirchett (Teagasc) presented the work carried out within the WelFarmers project over recent years, providing insights into its collaborative approach and methodology. The presentation highlighted key findings from Round 1 of the project, as well as the development of dissemination materials designed to support and inspire farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders. Importantly, these resources are freely accessible online, promoting knowledge exchange and the uptake of best practices across the sector.
Overall, the EPP Congress 2026 provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and discussing the future direction of European pig production. With Poland positioned as a key player in the sector’s evolution, the event underscored both the opportunities and challenges ahead for achieving a competitive, sustainable, and welfare-oriented pig industry in Europe.
May, 28 - WelFarmers
