By Alice McFarlane

Canadian pork council outlines federal election campaign priorities

Aug 23, 2021 | 5:04 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Canada’s 7,000 pork producers want candidates in the federal election to commit to policies that will support agriculture.

Canadian Pork Council (CPC) chair Rick Bergmann said the country’s pork producers work hard every day to provide high quality, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food to families in Canada and around the world.

“They need parties to partner with them to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians,” Bergmann said.

CPC outlined their priorities during a virtual meeting this morning.

The main goal of the organization is “to heighten the awareness of work we do as producers.

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“We’re not making widgets, we’re actually making food and protein for people to consume to be healthy to live,” he said

Bergmann said Canadian pork is increasingly in demand around the world and the value chain has significant growth potential.

CPC said priorities include fixing business risk management programs, so they work for producers in need, facilitate access to skilled workers, defend, improve, and expand market access and resolve trade barriers in China, the world’s largest pork importer.

Bergmann said the health of Canadian pigs is at risk from African Swine Fever. CPC wants a commitment from government of $50 million to implement the Pan-Canadian African Swine Fever action plan.

CPC also wants a Canadian Foot-and-Mouth disease vaccine bank.

Bergmann said Canadian pork producers have one of the lowest environmental footprints in the world. He said exempting farm fuels like propane and natural gas from the carbon pricing system would also help.

CPC vice-chair René Roy said candidates need to commit to polices so producers can employ more Canadians, increase the value of exports, and build better, more resilient communities.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW