North American Hog Producer Groups Reach Common Ground

Apr 23, 2013

Hog Organizations in Canada, U.S. and Mexico Meet to Discuss Industry Issues

Groups representing hog producers in Canada, U.S and Mexico recently met in Niagara Falls, Canada to discuss matters that affect North American pork farmers. It became apparent that through the discussions there were several areas of common interest and concern.

Jean-Guy Vincent, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council said that while pork producers will continue to adapt to consumer demands, the costs associated with these changes must be shared with the entire value chain - including the government. Vincent adds that in order for hog farmers to survive in a global market, they must be able to recover their costs of production. There have been several recent announcements made by a number of companies that purchase pork who have announced new purchasing and sourcing requirements and according to the swine industry, these changes have been made without adequate consultation.

In addition to discussing the demands to phase-out sow gestation crates, the groups also discussed: Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), WTO rulings on Country-of-Origin Labelling (COOL) and the importance of science-based food safety relating to animal health regulations to avoid disruptions to trade.

The producer groups plan to meet again in the fall and will be hosted by the American group – the National Pork Producers Council.

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.