National Focus

Sask Pork's affiliation with the Canadian Pork Council, Canada Pork International and the Canadian Meat Council ensures Saskatchewan pork producers are collectively represented on ongoing matters relating to development of federal livestock regulations export trade development and trade issues.  Internationally, these organizations tell the "Canadian Pork Story" in the world market. 

• Strategic Transition Plan for the Canadian Hog Industry:  The CPC has worked with the federal agriculture minister and Prime Minister Harper to to garner financial support in the form of farm support programs for Canada's hog producers who are in the midst of the worst economic crisis the industry has seen in decades.  In addition, the has developed a a roadmap through to 2014 that describes several characteristics of a successfully restructured industry.  Click here to view the full document .
   
• U.S. Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL):  COOL went into effect September 30, 2008.  Canada's beef and pork industries came together last year to support trade in meat products once COOL became law.  The coalition of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and Canadian Cattleman's Association (CCA)  believes the mandatory COOL provision of the U.S Farm Bill violates U.S. trade obligations under the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization.  Live cattle and swine exports to the U.S. in 2007 were valued at in excess of $1.8 billion.  Click here to read the October 7, 2008 COOL response to the U.S. from the Canadian livestock industry. 

• Foreign Animal Disease Monitoring / National Hog Identification and Traceability:   It is estimated that an outbreak inCanada of a swine-related disease, such as Foot and Mouth disease, would cost an estimated $13 to 45 billion. Trade, welfare and processing implications would be enormous; border dependant industries would suffer staggering losses. 
  
  The CPC and the provincial pork organizations have been very proactive in the development of an identification (ID) and traceability system for the Canadian hog industry.   As the possibility of foreign animal disease (FAD) increases due to farm animal movement, intensified livestock production and potential risks from bio-terrorism, our industry is developing a plan of action in order to prepare for the challenges of a foreign animal disease outbreak or a food safety crisis.  Critical components of the Canadian swine traceability system will be compatible with ones developed by other livestock sectors.