Ministers of Agriculture Reach Agreement on Growing Forward 2

Sep 14, 2012

Innovation, Competitiveness and Market Development Target Priorities in Growing Forward 2

The Ministers of Agriculture from the federal, provincial and territorial governments have reached a five year agreement for the Growing Forward 2 policy framework. One of the key highlights is a 50% increase in cost-sharing initiatives for non-Business Risk Management (BRM) that seeks to spur innovation and marketing development. There will also be the creation of an effective suite of BRM programs that will be able to protect farmers against severe market volatility and disasters. Provinces will also be given some more flexibility to tailor the various government programs to meet their unique needs. There has been some headway that will allow provinces and territories to be equipped with resources necessary to be able to invest in environmental on-farm projects. There will also be the continuation of ongoing support for risk management programs.

“Just as farmers continuously improve their business practices, so too have governments made adjustments to help Canada remain a world leader in agricultural innovation and trade,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Growing Forward 2 will help drive economic growth and long-term prosperity through agricultural innovation and market development, while also ensuring governments continue to share the risk of severe market volatility and disasters."

The policy framework will focus on trade with several key export markets, including South Korea, Japan, China and Europe. Gaining market access, reducing interprovincial trade barriers and working towards reducing the regulatory burden will be the focus over the next five years. The new agreement will phase in April 1, 2013 when the current framework expires.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.