Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Grassroots producers have worked at trying to put forward a Recovery Plan for the Ontario Pork Industry. It is an article for discussion and is not written in stone. Please consider engaging in discussions - tell us what statements you can endorse and give us suggestions for those statements you can not support.

Only through these discussions, can we provide the unified voice that is needed.

'If you aren't a part of the solution - you become part of the problem'

Views: 167

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

The U.S. country of origin labeling and interprovincial trade disruption are the biggest issues that stand in the way of a level playingfield.
There are numerous issues but,

The only sustainable solution will be to get the pork prices up...now the dollar is moving to par with the US.

What can we do to address prices?
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.
Will the packers come on board?? There will still be an export demand as the economy rebounds and some people and packers will still want to chase that. The pork that we are raising now is disappearing just not at a price that we like, who is really controlling the price?? Yes I believe we need to control our own market and supply it ourselves and do it sooner than later, we just need OP to realize this and step up

JoAnne Caughill said:
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.
Hi Tom - Packers are hearing about the Recovery Plan - and intrigued. They understand that without us, they don't have an industry. They know we need more of the Retail Dollar and I would also go out on a limb and say that they too likely need more of the retail dollar. Processors have been squeezed with us. A round table of Industry people will be an important part of this process of moving forward with a Recovery Plan. Tom - John N. and I would really like the opportunity to speak to your County Meeting - any chance of this?

Tom Murray said:
Will the packers come on board?? There will still be an export demand as the economy rebounds and some people and packers will still want to chase that. The pork that we are raising now is disappearing just not at a price that we like, who is really controlling the price?? Yes I believe we need to control our own market and supply it ourselves and do it sooner than later, we just need OP to realize this and step up

JoAnne Caughill said:
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Ag in the House: April 13 – 17

Canada is attracting billions of dollars in foreign investment, the minister said

Poll shows Canadians support supply management

More than 70 per cent of Canadians voiced some level of support

Sharing Your Story, Growing Our Reach

Alberta Canola has been hard at work championing growers, strengthening agriculture literacy, and building connections across the province. Here’s what we’ve been up to and what’s ahead. STAMPEDE SEASON: SADDLED UP FOR ANOTHER YEAR With the Calgary Stampede fast approaching, July 3 to 12, 2026, our team is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to our now two-year-old interactive booth in the AltaLink Hall. This walkthrough exhibit continues to be a favourite among families, food lovers, and international guests, offering a hands-on, friendly space to explore canola’s journey from seed to table. Calgary Stampede remains one of our strongest platforms for meaningful conversation. Visitors are eager to understand how their food is grown, and they’re often surprised and impressed to hear directly from Alberta growers. In an age of swirling misinformation, your stories matter more than ever. By meeting people with empathy and clear, simple facts, we can counter myths while building

New Research Funding for 2025-2026

As the 2026-27 call for research Letters of Intent are well underway, Alberta Canola wraps up signing agreements from the 2025-26 cycle. A total of 16 Full Proposals were accepted for funding by Alberta Canola, totaling over $1.42 million. This level of funding was possible due to the collaborative efforts of SaskOilseeds, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), Alberta Innovates, Alberta Grains, and Prairie Oat Growers Association, as the projects’ total costs were $5.83 million. “Targeted research investments today are building a more resilient canola crop for tomorrow.” Canola diseases remain a top priority for canola growers and consequently received the most funding, just under $1 million. The 10 disease projects include clubroot, verticillium, and sclerotinia with an emphasis on genetic and agronomic advancements. Additional high level research priorities including abiotic stresses, weeds, nutri

Hello Canola: Growing Momentum, Growing Connections

As another growing season begins, Alberta Canola is excited to share how the National Canola Marketing Program (NCMP) is continuing to build nationwide consumer trust, one upbeat touchpoint at a time. Now in Year 3, the Hello Canola campaign is stronger than ever, connecting with urban millennial Canadians and shining a bright spotlight on one of Canada’s most important crops. WHY THIS CAMPAIGN MATTERS FOR GROWERS Hello Canola isn’t just a fun, friendly marketing effort, it’s a strategic investment in long-term consumer confidence. By meeting Canadians where they spend their time and speaking in the language and formats they prefer, this campaign helps shift public perception from “I’ve heard of canola” to “I’m proud to choose Canadian canola.” Every positive impression contributes to stronger trust in the crop you grow, strengthens our domestic market, and boosts long term demand. CAMPAIGN PERFORMANCE THAT TURNS HEADS So far, this year’s paid media performance is turning out to be

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service