“We fully support the government’s trade agenda and recognise the work Minister Ritz, Minister Fast and his predecessors have done to improve market access for pork and other agriculture products,“ stated CPC’s Chair, Jean-Guy Vincent.

“However, we need to finalize the FTA with South Korea before we completely lose our market share in Korea while pursuing the FTA with Japan. Completing these two free trade agreements will have an immediate and significant impact on the Canadian pork sector.“

CPI’s President, Jacques Pomerleau informed the committee members that the Japanese market is extremely important for all Canadian pork industry stakeholders with sales in 2011 of 219,000 tonnes valued at C$894 million. This represents approximately 20 per cent of total Canadian exports by volume but almost 28 per cent in value. Mr Pomerleau also stated that, “the Canadian hog industry estimates that a successful economic agreement with Japan could increase Canadian pork exports to Japan by 20 per cent to well past C$1billion a year.“

“Increased market access through various free trade agreements allows our industry to market different parts of the animal for the best price. This results in a stronger and more flexible industry, where all parts of the value chain can have a return on their investment,“ added Mr Vincent.

The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organisation’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.