November 8, 2024

Canada's pork industry players met government officials in Ottawa

Representatives from the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Meat Council recently met with parliamentarians, government officials and partners in the country during fall industry meetings in Ottawa.

Both organisations highlighted the need for an African swine fever trade recovery programme to regain market access and stabilise the industry in the case of an outbreak. They also expressed their needs for a reliable agricultural workforce and asked the government to prioritise solutions to support the industry's year-round needs.

"These were important days for our industry," said CPC chair René Roy. "By joining forces with the Canadian Meat Council, we presented a united front to advocate for the priorities of the Canadian pork sector. Our conversations emphasised the urgent need to address challenges like ASF, expand trade opportunities, and agriculture's unique labour needs, priorities which are crucial for sustaining and growing our industry. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance these priorities."

"Our joint lobby day showcased the power of collaboration," said Chris White, president and CEO of CMC and Canada Pork. "Together, we were able to effectively spotlight issues affecting both producers and processors in a way that demonstrates our industry's cohesive vision for the future. We are grateful to all the parliamentarians and officials who joined us and look forward to building on these discussions."

- Farmtario