The overall objective of the COST action IPEMA is to find and disseminate general, region-specific or chain-specific solutions for the development of alternatives to surgical castration of male pigs: entire male production (EM) and immunocastration (IC). IPEMA is looking for integrated solutions taking into account meat quality (boar taint, water holding capacity, tenderness, fat quantity and quality), animal welfare, breeding, nutrition and economy. IPEMA aims to coordinate research between national programmes and fill knowledge gaps between different areas in Europe and between science and relevant stakeholders. The specific objectives are (1) to guide breeding programmes for pork production systems with EM (boar taint, other meat quality traits, behaviour), (2) to develop nutritional concepts for EM and IC (requirements, boar taint, fat quantity and quality), (3) to define EM specific housing, management, transport and slaughter conditions, (4) to evaluate innovations in grading and meat quality control systems (boar taint, other meat quality traits), (5) to assist innovations in the processing industry to adapt products to EM and IC characteristics and to valorise tainted meat, (6) to develop specific information strategies for European countries and export markets and harmonise sensory studies on boar taint. IPEMA started in October 2016 and will finish in September 2020. IPEMA membership currently includes institutions from 22 European countries. IPEMA wants to extend its membership by including more members from (1) the Eastern part of Europe, neighbouring countries and other international partners and (2) all levels of the pig chains: organisation representing the farmers as well as upstream and downstream industry. The IPEMA consortium acknowledges the financial support of the EU, COSTaction CA15215