OTTAWA – The $6 million investment announced today by the government of Canada will allow Canada Pork International to further its core mandate of developing and strengthening export markets for Canadian pork.
As 70% of Canadian pork production is exported, the work Canada Pork International conducts for the industry is important. This funding will enable the industry to continue having a strong presence in major pork markets and further promote the Verified Canada Pork brand. The Verified Canada Pork brand recognizes the work producers put into providing wholesome pork products to consumers in Canada and around the world. It is based on rigorous on-farm food safety, animal care and traceability programs developed by pork producers as part of the Canadian Pork Excellence platform.
Furthermore, this funding will allow Canada Pork International to inform both industry and government on pork market trends as the global marketplace continues to be impacted by many variables such as trade policies and foreign animal diseases.
“Canadian pork producers count on the government to support a thriving industry that contributes $23.8 billion in total economic activity to the country each year” said Rick Bergmann, Canadian Pork Council Chair. “This funding is great news for pork producers who rely on well-established markets and marketing networks to move their product and feed people worldwide. Maintaining competitive access to markets and further developing trade, specifically in the Asian region, are critical to the growth of the industry and are a priority for pork producers,” adds Mr. Bergmann.
Canada is the 3rd largest pork exporter in the world and has exported $3.9 billion worth of pork to 88 countries in 2018.
Source : Canadian Pork Council