May 13, 2008

Alberta possesses livestock production advantages
 

Canadian province Alberta has many competitive advantages for livestock production despite the current crisis in the province's pork industry, according to an Alberta Pork report 'The Way Forward'.

The report said the competitive advantages include Alberta's large land base, low population density, favourable climate to produce crops and livestock, a base of competent and adaptable production management skills and relative proximity to export to China, the largest and fastest-growing market for pork.

However, building a competitive pork industry requires a dramatic overhaul of the entire industry if there is to be any probability of success, said the report.

The report noted that the rising Canadian dollar, skyrocketing input costs, strong competition from the US and a lack of competitiveness in the packing sector has led to the current financial crisis in Alberta's pork industry.

The report is part of the ongoing effort to revitalize the Alberta pork industry.