CPTPP ratification reassures pork markets

Nov 05, 2018

Timeliness is key for industry members

Staff Writer

Farms.com

The enactment of a new trade deal offers market assurance for Canada’s pork industry, said Andrew Dickson, the general manager of Manitoba Pork, in a Friday Farmscape article.

Bill C-79, legislation to implement the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), earned Royal Assent on Thursday and the Government of Canada will soon approve it. Canadian pork producers will benefit from the trade deal as it will lead to an instant decrease in tariffs, Dickson said in the article.

Manitoba’s pork producers will have the opportunity to grow their operations, creating jobs on farms and in the meat processing sector, he said.

Manitoba farmers are an integral component of the Canadian pork production system, Dickson told Farms.com yesterday.

“The two agreements, the new NAFTA, and the new TPP, will benefit Canada as a whole,” he explained. “Product from Manitoba goes to plants in Ontario to be processed. Plants there package it and sell it. (Some of) the product comes back to the west, a big chunk stays in the east, and a big chunk from Manitoba is exported to Japan, South Korea, the U.S., Mexico and so on.

“We’re a major player in this,” he added.

“With the treaty now being ratified by Parliament, it means that industry now knows that this is a fixed deal,” he said to Farmscape. “They can start making long-term arrangements in terms of new investments in ramping up their production capacity.”

Timeliness in the ratification of the CPTPP is vital, Dickson emphasized.

“These markets are very important to us. (Industry members will) be able to put product into the marketplace with no tariffs, compared to some of the competitors that we have to deal with, such as Europe or Brazil or the United States.

“The more you can reduce uncertainty in the marketplace, the better,” he said.

songqiuju/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo

Video: Secure Pork Supply Plan | Prepare to Protect Your Herd | U.S. Pork Producers

Join Jill Brokaw, a third-generation pig farmer and staff member of the National Pork Board, as she dives into the vital role of the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan in preparing the U.S. pork industry for potential foreign animal disease outbreaks. This video is an essential watch for pork producers who are looking to safeguard their operations against the threats of diseases like foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever.

•Why Should Pork Producers Care?

An outbreak of foreign animal diseases in the U.S. could lead to severe restrictions and potentially result in industry-wide financial losses estimated between $15 to $100 billion. The SPS Plan is a collective effort to prevent such catastrophic outcomes by enhancing biosecurity, ensuring animal traceability, and promoting effective disease monitoring.

What You'll Learn:

The Importance of Preparedness: Understand why being proactive is crucial for maintaining business continuity during an outbreak.

•Enhanced Biosecurity Measures:

Write a site-specific biosecurity plan that can serve as the first line of defense against potential outbreaks.

•Animal Disease Traceability:

Learn about the significance of tracking animal movement and how acquiring a premises identification number (PIN) and using AgView can facilitate this process. Disease Monitoring: Find out how continuous observation and reporting can keep your herd healthy and disease-free.

•Getting Started with SPS:

The video breaks down the seemingly daunting task of preparing for a foreign animal disease outbreak into manageable steps. With free resources available at www.securepork.org, including templates and instructions, Jill guides producers on developing a customized plan to enhance their farm's defenses.

•Expert Insights:

Hear from Dr. Pam Zaabel on collaborating with your herd veterinarian to develop and implement your SPS plan effectively.

•Takeaway:

The Secure Pork Supply initiative is more than a plan; it's a commitment to the resilience of our food supply and the livelihoods within the pork industry. By embracing these proactive measures, we can collectively enhance our preparedness for foreign animal disease outbreaks.