New Opportunities Need to be Explored in Midst of Pork Crisis.

New Opportunities Need to be Explored in Midst of Pork Crisis

By Henry Stevens, Christian Farmers of Ontario

It’s no secret that Ontario’s pork sector is currently in a disastrous position. Unacceptably low live hog prices, coupled with high input costs and diminished export markets, have led to a situation in which producers lose money on every hog that leaves the farm. To top it off, there is considerable uncertainty about the role of the provincial marketing system in the near future. And while this is obviously a terrible situation for farm families, the current pressures on the industry could force creative thinking about future opportunities for producers. Participants in the primary production part of the pork chain have started to have discussions on a wide variety of issues. Those discussions are long overdue and need to take place. There are heated debates about marketing options and support program design. Producers are participating in discussions on whether or not supply management could or should be considered as a viable option for a sector that has long prided itself on the ability to export considerable amounts of product. They are also considering the pros and cons of a ‘Quebec-type model’, with a cost of production stabilization program.

The goals and principles of safety net programs are under scrutiny, and input is being sought on possible improvements as the current set of financial support programs is not providing producers with the stability they need and deserve. The vulnerability of young and beginning farmers stands out clearly in this current situation and deserves special attention. Trade implications, noting that several importing countries are increasingly looking for domestic food security, need to be explored with a healthy dose of realism.

All these discussions and debates are necessary and should go a long way towards making sure the sector comes out of its current crisis with a clearer vision for the future. At some point it’ll be important to have the other pork chain stakeholders involved in these discussions. The processing, further processing and retail food sectors all need to take responsibility for their part in ensuring a strong, profitable future for all the parts of the value chain. Awareness of changing demographics, consumer demands, buying preferences and trade realities will all need to be part of the shaping of a healthy future for Ontario’s entire pork sector. We need to take advantage of the current crisis to equip the entire pork sector to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Henry Stevens is the President of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org/index.html. CFFO is supported by 4,353 family farmers across Ontario.

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by rein minnema on October 30, 2009 at 4:06pm: thanks for your vision on the state of our industry. it is my opinion that there are three major key elements effecting our profitability. They are the movement to green energie, the effect of the H1N1 and our currency value.

RSS

Welcome to
Ontario Agriculture

Sign Up
or Sign In

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

Investing in Alberta’s future vets

A new program funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will encourage veterinary students to work and stay in rural Alberta. The two-year, $250,000 Veterinary Student Recruitment and Retention Pilot Grant Program is aimed at enticing rural practices to hire summer veterinary students and encouraging students to continue their careers in those communities. The program focuses on practices that provide livestock veterinary services and have a current or anticipated veterinarian vacancy. Albertans need vets they can rely on in all corners of the province. The demand is especially high in rural communities, where veterinary access is essential to livestock producers’ livelihoods. Rural vet clinics can apply now for the pilot grant program. Eligible clinics will receive up to $10,000 as a wage incentive, for one veterinary student who works at the clinic between May 1 and August 31. Applications for 2027 will open next year.

Province Celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer

The Government of Saskatchewan celebrates International Year of the Woman farmer and the women whose leadership, innovation and hard work continue to strengthen the province's agriculture sector. "Women have helped shape every part of our agriculture sector, strengthening both our economy and our communities," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "From farming and ranching operations to research labs and processing facilities, their leadership across the value chain is driving the innovation that continues to keep Saskatchewan at the forefront of Canadian agriculture." Saskatchewan is home to more than 34,000 farms, most of them family owned, many of them operated by husband-and-wife partnerships, and a growing number run by women. The province has an active network of female agriculture professionals who strive to connect and encourage women in the industry and serve on various industry association boards and committees. One such network is Saskatchewan Women in Ag. "Saskatche

Youth Recognized for Creating Sustainable Solutions Through AgriFood Challenge

4-H youth across Canada are proving they have what it takes to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our planet. Through the AgriFood Challenge, a national initiative delivered by 4-H Canada in partnership with Syngenta Canada, 4-H members developed actionable solutions to support sustainable agriculture and food security in each of their communities. From building bee hotels to growing and donating fresh produce to food banks and community organizations, 4-H members turned ideas into action. Youth also taught others how to grow, cook, preserve, and waste less food. Through creative soil health experiments, food rescue advocacy, and community education, these projects show how young people are connecting agriculture, sustainability, and community care in practical, meaningful ways. “This is a testament to the skills and talents of 4-H'ers. When given the chance to be innovative, they can solve difficult problems” said Christina Franc, CEO of 4-H Canada. “The projects submitted t

More ag superstitions for Friday the 13th

Beef and dairy producers appear to be surrounded by weather forecasters

Map: February Precipitation Reduces Prairie Dryness, Drought

February brought notable dryness and drought relief across the Prairies, although localized areas continue to suffer. The latest monthly update of the Canadian Drought Monitor shows 47% of Prairie agricultural lands were being impacted by abnormal dryness or some form of drought as of the end of last month. That is down from 62% in both January and December, and 71% in November. Most of the Prairie Region experienced above-normal precipitation during February, with large portions of the region receiving 115% to more than 200% of normal. In contrast, southern Alberta and parts of southwestern Saskatchewan remained comparatively dry, with precipitation totals below 85% of normal and localized pockets receiving less than 60%. Snow cover was initially reduced during early February due to warm, dry conditions, but late-month winter storms increased snowfall across much of the region, bringing totals back to near or above normal in many areas. Although winter precipitation through the

More…

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service