June 25, 2009

Manitoba pork producers have told government officials their industry is in crisis and that nearly one-third of pig farmers have gone out of business in the past two years.

Canadian Pork Council (CPC) chairman Jurgen Preugchas said that this is by far the worst that the industry has ever seen in Canada, adding that the industry generates almost CA$8 billion in economic activity in Canada each year.

The combination of low hog prices, fluctuating currency exchange rates, high input costs, and an erroneous perception that AH1N1 flu - previously known as swine flu - is somehow related to pork has left the industry on its knees.

As 500 pork farmers met with government officials in Morris, Preugchas noted that 30 percent of producers have left the industry in the last two years alone. Some large pork operations across Manitoba were being forced to shut down.

Federal Liberals at the meeting said government must come to the aid of the industry. The Harper government has said it assessing the issue.

CPC is banking on a meeting with federal officials in July that it hopes will offer some short-term hope for producers.