Alberta Pork representatives used Calgary Stampede events to thank federal leaders for the Canada–Japan ASF zoning agreement and promote the province’s pork sector
Alberta Pork representatives used a busy day at the Calgary Stampede to strengthen relationships with government leaders, industry partners and food sector representatives while promoting the importance of Alberta’s pork industry.
Executive Director Darcy Fitzgerald and Board Chair Alastair Bratton attended the Agri-business Reception hosted by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer. They were joined by Ian Moon of Olymel and had the opportunity to connect with federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald.
A key focus of the discussion was Canada’s recently secured African Swine Fever zoning arrangement with Japan. Fitzgerald and Bratton thanked Minister MacDonald and his team for their leadership in helping protect market access for Canadian pork in the event of an ASF outbreak.
The federal government announced the Canada–Japan ASF zoning arrangement on June 16, 2026. Under the arrangement, pork exports to Japan could continue from ASF-free zones even if the disease were detected in another part of Canada. Canada remains free of African Swine Fever, but the disease continues to spread globally and is considered a serious threat to pig health and pork sector stability.
Japan is a major market for Canadian pork. In 2025, Canadian exports of pork and pork products to Japan were valued at about $1.8 billion, representing 31 per cent of Canada’s pork export value. With Japan included, Canada now has ASF zoning arrangements with eight markets: the United States, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and Japan. Together, those markets represent nearly 69 per cent of Canada’s pork export value.
The Agri-business Reception also included Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and brought together agricultural representatives, business leaders and international guests. The event provided an opportunity to recognize the strength, innovation and global reach of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
For Alberta pork producers, these conversations are part of a larger effort to ensure the sector remains visible in policy discussions. Disease preparedness, export market access, labour, processing capacity and public trust are all important issues for the pork industry.
The Calgary Stampede is also an important venue for showcasing agriculture to consumers and food industry audiences. Alberta Pork’s day included a visit to the Taste of Stampede Food Stage, where Fitzgerald and Bratton connected with Chef Anna Olson.
Olson served as a judge for the Chef Pork Challenge alongside Christina Stender of EH Farms, a heritage breed pork producer. The event highlighted the versatility of pork and gave attendees a closer look at how pork can be prepared and featured in meals.
Chef Olson also demonstrated some of her favourite pork dishes during a separate cooking session, helping connect consumers with the farmers and food systems behind the products they enjoy.
Alberta Pork said the day reflected its ongoing commitment to advocating for pork producers, building relationships and celebrating the industry.
Photo Credit: Alberta-pork-calgary-stampede