Pork Nova Scotia was very sad to hear of the passing of Lloyd Evans, as he was a longtime hog producer, dedicated member of the Board for several years and a great ambassador of agriculture in Nova Scotia.

Our deepest condolences are with his entire family.

The Programs and Business Risk Management (PBRM) division of the Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that CAP will be reopening for applications July 3, 2018.

For additional information, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/programs

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: June 25 to June 29, 2018

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: June 18 to June 22, 2018

Progress being made toward the implementation of the CPTPP

June 14, 2018 OTTAWA – Canadian pork producers coast to coast were pleased to learn that the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) legislation has been introduced in the House of Commons today. The implementation bill introduced by Minister Champagne follows his tabling of the full text of the agreement on May 23, 2018.

“Minister Champagne has shown great leadership in advocating for the CPTPP. Ensuring our industry has access to diverse and growing markets is more important than ever. We are asking all members of the House of Commons to quickly ratify this agreement” said Rick Bergmann, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council.

The Canadian pork industry stands to gain huge benefits with the implementation of the CPTPP, especially in Japan where fresh chilled pork is considered a premium product and is in high demand. According to the analysis by Global Affairs Canada, Canadian pork exports to Japan are projected to increase by $639 million, or 36.2 %. In addition to increased exports, projected savings of $51 million are expected because of tariff reductions on pork.

It is imperative that Canada be among the first six countries to ratify the CPTPP. It is these “first-movers” who will get the earliest opportunities to position themselves in key markets. Mexico has already ratified the agreement, and Japan and Australia have a head start. The remaining countries that are part of this agreement have all indicated that they aim to conclude their legislation process before the fall.

The Canadian Pork Council is the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations representing 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.

Media Contact:
Gary Stordy – Director, Government and Corporate Affairs
Canadian Pork Council
613 263-9239 ext. 277
stordy@cpc-ccp.com

Progress Being Made Toward the Implementation of the CPTPP PDF

From the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture:

CFIA released the regulations for the Safe Food for Canadians Act Wednesday, June 13, 2018. This has been an important advocacy piece for the Federation since the Act received Royal Assent in 2012.

Upon early review of the regulations, NSFA is pleased to read that many farms with a gross farm income under $100,000 will not be required to have a written preventive control plan (PCP). While the Federation does not dispute the need for tractability and assurance of safe food, the cost prohibitive written PCP would have potentially put farms, particularly those that sell direct to market across provincial boarders, out of business if required to comply. During the consultative process, NSFA lobbied Health Canada, CFIA and AAFC to raise the proposed $30,000 threshold or create an exception for farms selling direct to market.

Farms not exempt from this exception include meat destined for export or interprovincial trade, prepared meat products, dairy products, fish, eggs, processed egg products, or processed fruits and vegetables, or if an export certificate is requested.

The regulations will be phased in and will come into effect on January 15, 2019. Further review of the regulations is underway and highlights will be communicated in the future.

Safe Food for Canadians – Regulations

Safe Food for Canadians – Tools & Timetables

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: June 11 to June 15, 2018

Second Harvest & Value Chain Management International (VCMI) are researching food loss & waste (FLW) in Canada’s farming, food & beverage industries.

The purpose of their study is to establish a framework and metrics that businesses operating in the farming, processing, retail and foodservice sectors can use to understand:
1) where losses are likely to occur, and
2) identify ways to improve their performance and profitability by reducing losses and waste.

Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey prior to June 15th.

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: June 4 to June 8, 2018

“Farmers can focus on preventative health rather than reactive health” said Dr. Jessica Law, DVM.

She added that producers can look at “where they are using antibiotics and what problems (they) have experienced in the past.”

For the full article click here.