China’s pig industry is transforming as large enterprises adopt the “company + farmer” model, and family farms emerge as potential catalysts for modernization. The CP Group, in collaboration with Tomasun Group, has launched the GROW farm model, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at standardizing farm operations, enhancing sustainability, and revitalizing rural areas. GROW farms align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, featuring advanced biosecurity, intelligent systems, and innovative waste management.
China’s pig industry has undergone seismic changes in recent years. Economic pressures have pushed larger enterprises to embrace a “company + farmer” model, outsourcing rearing responsibilities to reduce financial risk. Meanwhile, once self-reliant, small-scale farmers are increasingly shifting toward contract farming to stabilize their incomes. Amid these shifts, family farms—long the backbone of rural communities—are being reimagined as catalysts for a modernized, sustainable livestock industry.
Collaboration for Change
In a transformative step for China’s pig farming sector, the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) has partnered with Tomasun Group to unveil the GROW farm model. This ambitious initiative seeks to standardize the fragmented sector, streamline operations, and align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The project aims to uplift family farms, fostering rural revitalization and modernizing traditional practices.
Addressing the Need for Standardization
According to Davis Zhang, Chairman of Shanghai Tomasun Equipment Installation CO.,LTD., inconsistency in farm design is a significant barrier to growth. “When one company exits the pig farming market, others hesitate to acquire their assets due to a lack of standardized construction,” he noted. The GROW model addresses this challenge with uniformity in farm design, scale, equipment, and operational standards.
Zhang likens the GROW farm to a “fully assembled vehicle”—turnkey farms ready for sale, leasing, or shared management. These standardized farms are positioned as durable assets designed for long-term investment while remaining flexible for future transitions.
A Showcase in Henan
The GROW model was launched in Huangchuan County, Henan Province, in partnership with CP Group. The pilot farm, akin to a meticulously engineered prototype, was revealed at a high-profile ceremony, where stakeholders toured the facilities to witness the potential of the standardized approach.
What Sets GROW Farms Apart?
GROW farms boast a suite of 12 standardized hardware features. Highlights include:
- Enhanced biosecurity: Dual-stage disinfection systems and modular barn compartmentalization.
- Efficient designs: Danish-style ventilation and feeding systems optimize space while maintaining a standard of 0.8 square meters per pig.
- Innovative waste management: Centralized deodorization technology reduces emissions directly from manure pits.
- Intelligent systems: Danish SKOV ventilation adjusts airflow using environmental data, while polyurethane insulation ensures optimal thermal regulation.
Each facility is built with user-friendliness in mind, from PVC partitions for easy cleaning to operator housing equipped with smart home technology.
Sustainability and Rural Revitalization
Aligned with global ESG standards, the GROW model emphasizes sustainable farming practices while creating opportunities for rural communities. Designed for streamlined operations, these farms require only two personnel, aided by mobile monitoring systems for efficient management.
Tomasun Group aims to establish 100 GROW farms by 2027, with 30 owned and 70 available for co-investment. Village collectives can contribute capital and participate in the broader value chain, including feed mills and slaughterhouses. The initiative generates profits and reinvests in rural areas, creating sustainable economic ecosystems.
Compact Farming on the Horizon
To cater to diverse needs, Tomasun is developing a compact version called the MINI farm, featuring a 240-head sow breeding unit. Scheduled for release in 2025, this scaled-down model promises the same efficiency and sustainability standards.
The GROW model could redefine the trajectory of China’s pig farming industry. By combining innovation with practical sustainability, the initiative offers a blueprint for revitalizing family farms while setting new benchmarks in standardization and efficiency. As the industry evolves, family farms may take center stage again, as pioneers of a modernized and sustainable future.
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