- On October 24, Lleida will host a new edition of the Porc d’Or Awards, which recognize excellence in pork production throughout the country.
- The Porc d’Or Awards aim to incentivize and recognize the work of Spanish pork companies in continuously improving the efficiency and quality of pork production.
This year, the city of Lleida will host the 32nd edition of this competition, which recognizes the commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainability, as well as the technical and productive results of the most outstanding pig farms in the country. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday, October 24 at the La Llotja Congress Center and will bring together more than 1,000 industry professionals, institutional representatives, companies, collaborating entities, and the media.
These annual, nationwide awards are technically based on BDporc, the Pig Reference Database, managed by IRTA. This tool confidentially collects, analyzes, and compares technical and productive data from farms, becoming an objective and reference database for decision-making and evaluating the performance of state breeding sow farms.
99 nominated farms are in the running for the awards.
A total of 99 pig farms from across Spain have been nominated after a rigorous technical analysis process, based on the production data that the farms themselves voluntarily and confidentially provide to BDporc.
The awards are given based on four key performance indicators: numerical productivity, longevity, farrowing rate, and lactation management.
One of the main new features of this edition is the updated technical criteria for the Porc d’Or Longevity Award. From now on, this award will be given based on the percentage of sows that survive the third reproductive cycle, with special consideration given to the stability of the census and the balance of the population pyramid of each farm. This change responds to the desire to value the efforts of livestock farmers to improve the sustainability of their production systems, recognizing both reproductive efficiency and the commitment to animal welfare and the long-term management of resources.
Representation throughout the territory
The nomination map reflects broad regional participation. Galicia leads the ranking with 38 nominations spread across 27 farms, followed by Aragon, with 33 nominations corresponding to 26 farms, and Catalonia, with 19 nominations for a total of 17 farms.
The nominations are divided into four categories based on the size of the breeding herd, and a total of 43 awards will be presented:
– 36 technical statuettes (gold, silver, and bronze),
– 4 awards for lactation management (one for each category),
– 3 Special Awards.
Special Awards for Excellence
In addition to the technical awards, the gala will host the presentation of three Special Awards that recognize the farms’ global commitment to sustainability, health, and excellence in all areas:
- Porc d’Or Diamond Award: which recognizes the best white-coated pig farm, based on the excellence of its overall production results, data collection and processing protocols, as well as the good condition of its facilities and the excellent management and care of its animals.
- MAPA Porc d’Or Sustainability Award: awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, recognizes best practices in health, animal welfare, and the environment.
- CEVA Animal Health Porc d’Or One Health Award: promotes a comprehensive approach to health on pig farms and seeks to recognize the collaborative work of farmers and veterinarians, who implement innovative measures in their Farms to improve animal health.
The complete list of farms nominated and candidates for these awards can now be found on the competition’s official website.
A gala with local flavor
The gala dinner will be hosted by renowned chef Nandu Jubany and his team from Jubany Events, who will offer a gastronomic offering based on Catalan cuisine, seasonal produce, and service carefully curated down to the last detail. The menu will incorporate dishes that showcase the quality and versatility of pork, always providing a balanced approach that respects the region’s culinary diversity. His career has been recognized with various awards in the gastronomic sector, and his collaboration with the awards adds value to this highly anticipated event.
A consolidated organization with industry support
Organized and created by IRTA, these awards for excellence in pork production have had Ceva Salud Animal as their main partner since 2023, along with the Interprofessional Association of White-Coated Pork (Interporc), which has supported the Porc d’Or since its inception.
The jury responsible for evaluating and awarding the prizes is composed of renowned figures in research, public administration, and the agri-food industry.
Likewise, the Porc d’Or Awards have a small group of Premium Sponsors who stand out for their commitment and constant support of the Porc d’Or Awards: Farm Faes, IFR Group, OPP Group, Semen Cardona, and Sabseg Banasegur, who, along with other sponsors and additional collaborators, contribute to making this a benchmark event for the Spanish pork sector possible.
More information: bdporc.irta.es
