The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) says producers and their families remain at risk given the very limited support outlined in Tuesday's announcement. The organization says the funds promised by the Government of Canada do not address the problems producers are facing.
Industry experts have estimated that pork producers will lose $675 million in 2020. CPC had asked for $20 per hog to cover expenses.
“For the past 5 years we have heard from our government that they want to help us to grow our sector, yet when our house is burning, they are offering us a glass of water to save it," said CPC Chair Rick Bergmann.
CPC says the sector is critical to Canada’s food security, an important employer and a significant industry that will be instrumental to restarting the economy.
“We are thankful for the Minister’s continued advocacy for our sector, but Canadian pork farm families are in danger. Should they fail, food insecurity will increase as supplies tighten and food gets more expensive,” added Bergmann.
Tuesday's announcement included $125 for an AgriRecovery program, with up to $50 million for a set-aside program for the cattle sector and up to $50 million for the pork sector.
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