Pork industry's autism and agriculture employment project

An initiative to employ autistic adults in animal care positions in the Australian pork industry has been backed by Pork CRC and the South Australian government, who have contributed $150,000 towards the project.

Pilot projects in SA and Queensland — conducted by Autism CRC and SunPork Farms — will employ a minimum of four autistic adults in animal care positions within SunPork Farms operations in each state.

Collectively, development and assessment of the program represents a financial commitment by SunPork Farms, Autism CRC and Specialisterne exceeding $800,000.

Goals for the program include:

• identifying and employing diverse skills and talents of autistic adults in animal care;
• developing innovative solutions that continue to provide optimal welfare for livestock;
• building capacity within the agricultural sector to employ autistic adults.

The projects offers life-changing opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and further improvement in the welfare of livestock.

Pork CRC CEO Roger Campbell said research had clearly demonstrated the link between good stockmanship and good productivity. “With this in mind, I believe we can continue to improve welfare and productivity outcomes by embracing a new group of enthusiastic, incentivised piggery workers.”

SunPork Farms is seeking eight motivated individuals to fill pig care positions, with four to be based in the Wasleys and Sheaoak Log regions of South Australia and four based one hour outside Dalby on the Queensland Darling Downs. Queensland applications close at 5 pm, 30 October and SA applications at 5 pm, 18 December.

Potential applicants and interested parties should click here.