Collaboration between Dutch and Chinese companies in the pig sector creates concrete opportunities for companies and training institutes in achieving better animal health and welfare, while improving production efficiency. A recent training program brings Dutch knowledge and technology together with the experience and needs of Chinese pig producers, training institutes and trainers.
China is by far the world’s largest pig producer, accounting for roughly 45% of global pig production; pork makes up around 60% of total meat consumption in the country. Following severe African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in 2019, which at their peak nearly halved China’s pig population, the sector invested heavily in recovery and modernization.
Applying the Dutch Approach
This transition fueled growing interest in the integrated Dutch Approach, combining technology (hardware), data systems (software) and knowledge and skills (mindware).
Collaboration between Chinese and Dutch companies brings these three elements together. The result is that knowledge and technology from the Netherlands contribute to the development of the Chinese pig sector. Working directly with Chinese companies and training institutes ensures that solutions directly respond to conditions and needs on Chinese farms.
Because the knowledge and skills mindware component is too often overlooked in improving pig farming, the integrated Dutch Approach targeted managers of large Chinese pig producers, trainers at Chinese vocational training institutes, and in-company trainers.
An ongoing training in pig farming with animal health and welfare at its core
Connecting knowledge, technology and practice
The training program, part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) Sustainable Pig Farming China program, started in January 2025 with three online masterclasses, attracting a total of 187 registered participants; well above the target of 100. Speakers from Wageningen University & Research and Dutch companies addressed the integrated Dutch Approach, animal health, animal welfare, production efficiency and biosecurity.
In December 2025, live training days followed at the Research, Test & Training Centre (RTTC) in Anping. The RTTC is a pig farm with research, demonstration and training facilities, set up by Dutch pig production companies.
In total, 21 managers from Chinese pig producers and nine trainers from Chinese universities and companies took part in a training day featuring a guided tour, demonstrations and an interactive workshop built around four themes: production efficiency, animal health, animal welfare and biosecurity.
The collaboration subsequently moved from training to practice. In March 2026, trainers and experts from Dutch companies carried out two extensive farm visits. Both visits confirmed that while the technical infrastructure on these farms is present, improving knowledge of pig behaviour and production management optimizes results.
Research, Test and Training Centre in Anping, China
Building value together. Exploring business opportunities
The training program expands the network between Dutch and Chinese companies in the pig sector. It provides a basis for continued knowledge exchange and for collaboration between companies, farms and training institutes.
For some participants in the training program, this is already translating into concrete business opportunities, ranging from data management and disinfection solutions to interest in genetics and climate control.
In addition, sixteen training institutes operating across different regions in China are identified and engaged. This provides a solid foundation for integrating Dutch knowledge into the practice of these institutions.
Facing challenges together in achieving sustainable pig farming
The added value of the program goes beyond individual technologies or business opportunities.
By combining Dutch knowledge, technology and skills with Chinese experience, training capacity and production practice, companies and institutes jointly work on challenges facing the pig sector.
In the longer term, this collaboration and the application of the integrated Dutch Approach may contribute to a more sustainable pig production chain and to better animal welfare and health in China.
The training program shows that knowledge exchange works best when technology, skills and practical experience come together. When Dutch and Chinese partners work together to turn knowledge into results.
For more information please contact pek-lvvn@minbuza.nl