A range of projects from supplying organic pork burgers to school meals providers and retailers to a major programme looking at three different production systems have won grant aid.

The projects are part of the latest round of supply chain grants funded by the British Pig Executive (BPEX) and more than £300,000 has been pledged.

The aim of the grants is to improve co-operation along the supply chain for the benefit of the producer and connect producers to the final point of sale.

BPEX Marketing Manager Chris Lukehurst said: "This is the sixth successful tranche of the scheme and we have some very promising projects and we look forward to seeing them bear fruit." The next programme of grants will open for applications on April 4 and close on May 20, 2005. The successful applicants will be announced on July 22.

Details of the grants are:

1) A Yorkshire farmers marketing group is to receive, £5,000; time period 1 year. A feasibility study to explore the possibility of setting up a new supply chain producing improved eating quality, tenderness and taste.

2) Hampshire organic company to receive £15,000 , time period 3 years to supply organic burgers to schools and small retail outlets.

3) A processor based in Nottinghamshire to get £30,000, time period, 3 years. To produce a range of pork sausages from quality pork and develop an existing distribution chain into new foodservice and retail customers.

4) A Norfolk producer/processor has been granted £17,075, time period 1 year. The project will compare different genetic lines that are thought to give pork better eating quality, carcase yields and production benefits. The production benefits will be assessed for both production efficiencies and processing.

5) A Somerset processor has been awarded up to £60,000, time period, three years. To create an added value market for pork currently being traded wholesale under a novel pork brand.

6) A Hertfordshire marketing group will receive £48,500, time period, two years. To drive forward as a usable management tool the breeding/feeding herd assessment and growth model facility 'Red-Box'.

The project will deliver a comprehensive IT management tool right into the heart of the business. Details of the results of these projects will be made available generally to the industry.