Canadian pork producers rejoice: Stronger ties with China

Dec 05, 2017

Trudeau continues to explore trade opportunities

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

Canadian and Chinese officials reached an agreement yesterday to allow the export of Canadian fresh chilled pork and beef products, as well as bone-in beef, to China.

These pork exports will begin with a pilot project, according to yesterday’s release from the Canadian Pork Council.

“The chilled pork access on the pilot project, will have, ideally, some improved access of different products going into China that we want to sell in the short-term,” Gary Stordy, director of governmental and corporate affairs, said to Farms.com today.

“We have the experience and knowledge of how to manage (preparing and shipping) the product from Canada across to foreign markets,” said Stordy.

Indeed, last year, Canada exported 132,094 tonnes of chilled pork to Japan valued at $750 million, according to the release.

China has a growing appetite for Western food, as well as safe and nutritious pork. And Canadian pork producers look forward to filling this Chinese demand and duplicating their success in Japan.

The pilot project builds from ongoing discussions about the possibility of a free trade agreement with China, given America’s threat to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The new trade agreement could be significant for both Canadian pork producers and the Canadian economy.

“It’s an opportunity that makes sense for Canadian business,” Trudeau said in an article on Reuters.com yesterday.

“Canada is and always has been a trading nation. But the landscape of trade is shifting, and we need to adjust to it.”

However, Trudeau treads carefully and slowly in the discussions with Chinese government officials as polls show Canadians are not completely sold on the idea of a trade agreement. Indeed, Canada needs to explore other market and trade options if the U.S. drops NAFTA, according to the article.

Although formal trade negotiations have not begun, a free trade agreement with China would offer Canada another export market in the future.

“It’s a potentially improved market. (But) it won’t be completed tomorrow. It is most-likely a long-term discussion,” Stordy said.

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/abstract-animal-beef-blood-bone-1239137/

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.