Canadian pork industry looking to maximize reopening of China market

SHANGHAI Representatives of the Canadian red meat industry are in China this week to continue to build on decades of strong relationship and trade between the two countries.

 

This mission is timely; the Chinese market was reopened to Canadian pork only last week, following a 4-month suspension. “During our visit a few weeks back, we heard clearly that we needed to strengthen our relationship with our Chinese customers” explains Rick Bergmann, Canadian Pork Council Chair. “Activities such as this mission will serve to do just that but will also allow us to thank Chinese officials for their trust and confidence in reopening the market for us,” he added.

 

In addition to meetings in Shanghai, the delegation is set to travel to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing and Tianjin before concluding their trip. They will be meeting with members of the Canada-China Business Council, Import and Export Food Safety Bureau officials, food importers, retailers, Canadian trade representatives and Canadian consulates.

 

“Every time I travel to China and meet with our customers and partners, I gain a better understanding of the market, and that informs the decisions we make back in Canada” explained Hans Kristensen, CPC First Vice-Chair. Participants from the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, Canada Pork International and others will also meet Ambassador Barton. “We look forward to working with Mr. Barton to grow the Canadian pork exports to China and further improve relations,” added Mr. Kristensen.

 

In 2018, Canada’s pork exports totalled almost $4 billion, of which $514 million was exported to China, making it Canada’s third-largest export market. It should be noted that the Canadian pork industry was on pace to double its 2018 sales in 2019 prior to the temporary suspension. Canada expects that pace to continue to accelerate now that the market has reopened.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.