NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 30, 2026, 1:12pm

Canada’s Meat Processors Join CAFTA, Strengthening Agri-Food Voice Ahead of Key Trade Negotiations

April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) today announced that CMC has joined as a Friend of CAFTA, deepening the agri-food sector’s representation at a critical moment for international trade.

CAFTA represents producers, processors, and exporters across Canada’s agri-food sector, advancing trade priorities in Ottawa and internationally to support market access and reduce barriers. This work is central to Canada’s meat sector, one of the most trade-exposed in the country, with deep ties to North American trade under CUSMA and a strong reliance on global export markets.

As Canada prepares for the 2026 CUSMA Joint Review and exporters navigate a more complex global environment, CMC’s alignment with CAFTA reflects a clear intent to help shape trade outcomes at both the federal and international levels.

“Joining as a Friend of CAFTA is a strategic step forward at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Kyle Larkin, President and CEO of CMC. “With the 2026 CUSMA review on the horizon and global market volatility increasing, it’s more important than ever that the agri-food sector speaks with a unified voice.”

“Meat processing companies rely on stable, rules-based trade to reach over 90 international markets, and we look forward to working alongside CAFTA members in addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers,” he added.

Meat processing is one of Canada’s largest manufacturing employers, generating $43.8 billion in annual sales—about 25% of all Canadian food processing—and supports more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country. CMC members process over 90% of Canada’s meat and supply both domestic consumers and more than 90 international markets.

“CMC’s membership comes at an important time for Canada’s agri-food exporters,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “Canada’s meat sector brings scale, market reach, and deep trade expertise. Its addition strengthens our ability to shape trade outcomes as Canada approaches the CUSMA review and other global trade negotiations.”

With CMC, CAFTA deepens its representation across the agri-food value chain, from primary production through processing and into export markets. Together, the two organizations will advance shared priorities for Canada’s agri-food exporters, with a focus on market access and reducing trade barriers.

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.

About the Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.cmc-cvc.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org

Julia Pennella
Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
647-987-1934 | julia@cmc-cvc.com

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 30, 2026, 1:12pm

“Too Much on the Line” campaign launched as new study reveals the cost of supply chain disruptions

April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – A new economic analysis finds a single week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season costs Canada’s grain sector up to $540 million, largely in unrecoverable export sales.

The analysis, commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition, examined the economic impact of labour disruptions across rail and port operations during peak grain export periods and found that losses compound rapidly and fall disproportionately on farmers and exporters, with missed sales that cannot be recovered once shipments are delayed.

The coalition released the findings today as part of Too Much on the Line, a national campaign calling on the federal government to reform Canada’s labour relations framework and reduce the risk of future supply chain shutdowns.

The coalition is encouraging Canadians to visit KeepGrainMoving.ca and send a letter to their Member of Parliament, adding that participation in the federal consultation process is critical to ensuring government decisions reflect the economic realities of Canada’s grain supply chain.

“Every time grain stops moving, the consequences are immediate and unrecoverable,” said Bruce Burrows, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada. “Missed sales, broken contracts, and a reputation as a reliable supplier that takes years to rebuild. Canada cannot keep accepting this as the cost of doing business. There is simply too much on the line.”

The grain sector is uniquely exposed. Canada exports over 70 per cent of its grain production, with 94 per cent moving by rail. The analysis found that even the threat of disruption triggers losses, with up to $112 million in missed sales occurring before a work stoppage begins.

The findings come against the backdrop of the unprecedented dual railway stoppage in 2024, which brought grain shipments to a halt and cost the sector millions of dollars per day. Repeated disruptions have raised questions about Canada’s reliability as a global supplier at a time when agricultural exports are central to economic resilience.

With federal consultations on the labour relations framework now underway, the coalition is calling for two targeted recommendations:

• Ensure good-faith bargaining by appointing a Special Mediator to oversee collective bargaining, manage timelines, and ensure progress

• Resolve disputes before they escalate by providing the Minister with authority to consider economic harm and refer disputes to binding arbitration when necessary

“Canada’s customers expect reliability, and repeated disruptions put that at risk,” said Greg Northey, vice president of corporate affairs with Pulse Canada. “With so much on the line, this is a critical moment to ensure the right policy framework is in place.”

The coalition said it will continue to engage with government and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, with a focus on advancing solutions that protect Canada’s reputation, support farmers, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Hana Sabah
hana@graingrowers.ca | (514) 834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 21, 2026, 12:34pm

CAFTA Executive Director Michael Harvey Appointed to Canada–U.S. Economic Advisory Committee

April 21, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) welcomes the appointment of its Executive Director, Michael Harvey, to the Government of Canada’s newly established Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations, ahead of the 2026 Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and to be chaired by Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the Advisory Committee includes leaders from business, labour, and industry and will serve as a forum to inform Canada’s economic and security engagement with the United States.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent Canada’s agri-food exporters on this Committee,” said Michael Harvey. “It presents our sector with an important opportunity to drive exporter priorities into action, including maintaining reliable cross-border trade, addressing emerging barriers, and strengthening the framework that underpins North American food production.”

CAFTA represents 90 per cent of Canada’s agri-food exporters, whose livelihoods depend on trade. With nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the Canada–U.S. border daily, that relationship is central to Canada’s competitiveness, export growth, and farm viability.

“As CUSMA discussions advance, it will be essential that Canada’s agri-food exporters have a strong voice at the table,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “The sector is counting on a clear focus on protecting market access, minimizing trade disruptions, and reinforcing the integrated nature of Canada–U.S. supply chains.”

Through this appointment, CAFTA will advance priorities on behalf of Canada’s export-dependent agri-food sector, including securing and strengthening market access under CUSMA, reducing non-tariff barriers, and reinforcing a stable and reliable trading environment.

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About CAFTA:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 21, 2026, 10:00am

Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers Welcomes Adrienne Herron as General Manager

April 21, 2026 (Okotoks, AB) — The Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrienne Herron as its new General Manager, effective May 4, 2026. Herron succeeds Kelly Chambers, who will retire on May 29, 2026, following a successful tenure leading the organization.

“I am very excited to join ABCSG and to work alongside such a dedicated group of members,” said Herron. “I look forward to building strong relationships and supporting the organization in advancing the interests of seed growers while promoting innovation and sustainability across the sector.”

Herron brings extensive experience in agriculture and producer engagement. Raised on a mixed farm in British Columbia’s North Peace region, she holds both a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agricultural Systems and a Master of Agricultural Science from the University of Alberta and is a Professional Agrologist. She previously spent over 13 years with Alberta Agriculture and most recently served as the Knowledge Translation and Transfer Lead with the Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab, where she focused on connecting research with on-farm practices. Herron lives in Red Deer County on a cattle seedstock operation.

ABCSG President Sarah Weigum welcomed Herron to the organization, highlighting the value of her experience and leadership.

“Adrienne’s deep understanding of agriculture, combined with her experience in research collaboration and producer engagement, makes her an excellent fit for ABCSG,” said Weigum. “Her leadership will help strengthen our ability to support seed growers, advocate for the industry, and continue delivering programs and services that enhance the quality and competitiveness of seed production in Alberta and British Columbia.”

Weigum also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Executive Director Kelly Chambers.

“On behalf of the Board and our members, we extend our sincere thanks to Kelly for her dedication and leadership,” Weigum added. “Her commitment to the organization has helped position ABCSG for continued success, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

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The Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers represents seed growers across the region, working to support the production of high-quality seed, advocate on behalf of members, and foster innovation and sustainability within the seed industry.

Contact:

Kelly Chambers
Executive Director
Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers
c. 403.325.0081
kelly@abcseedgrowers.ca
https://abcseedgrowers.ca/

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 17, 2026, 9:49am

Grain Growers of Canada welcomes Bill C-273 to support innovation and competitiveness in agriculture

April 17, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada welcomes the introduction of Bill C-273, the FARM Act, which would help drive innovation and competitiveness in Canadian agriculture through faster access to crop protection tools.

Bill C-273 would require provisional approval within 90 days for products already approved in two trusted international jurisdictions, while maintaining Canada’s rigorous safety standards through a subsequent full review process.

Improving the pace at which new products reach the market has long been a priority for the agriculture sector, which has consistently called for regulatory modernization to improve the timeliness, transparency and predictability of the agricultural innovation system.

Bill C-273 would help advance that objective by enabling faster adoption of innovation and supporting competitiveness across the sector.

Introduced by Conservative MP David Bexte, the bill builds on similar legislation previously brought forward by Liberal MP Kody Blois, reflecting support for agriculture across party lines and a shared recognition that Canada’s regulatory timelines need to improve. This alignment in Parliament presents a clear opportunity to move forward in a practical way that helps farmers in a rapidly changing environment.

Grain Growers of Canada welcomes this consensus and emphasizes the opportunity to advance Bill C-273 without delay, in line with commitments to reduce regulatory burden in agriculture and support important innovation and producer competitiveness.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Senior Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 19, 2026, 8:38am

Grain Growers of Canada appoints Bruce Burrows as Executive Director

March 19, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Grain Growers of Canada today announced Bruce Burrows as Executive Director, effective April 1, 2026.

Burrows brings more than four decades of experience across transportation, infrastructure, labour policy, and association leadership. Based in Ottawa, he has built a career developing and implementing effective government relations strategies, including policy development, political advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building across national industry organizations.

He has held senior leadership roles with the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Railway Association of Canada, as well as strategic advisory roles with Tactix. Earlier in his career, he held management positions with Canadian Pacific Railway in Canada and internationally.

Working at the intersection of industry, government, and supply chains, his experience spans transportation, energy, infrastructure, and resource sectors. Burrows is recognized for his ability to navigate complex policy environments, align stakeholders across national organizations, and execute advocacy strategies that deliver results at the federal level.

“It is a real honour to join Grain Growers of Canada and represent the interests of grain farmers across the country,” said Burrows.

“As essential drivers of our economy and suppliers of the food Canadians and customers around the world rely on, it is critical that producers’ priorities remain front and centre in federal decision-making,” he added. “Strong advocacy starts with strong connections, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships by working with producers and members across Canada to ensure their priorities continue to be clearly heard in Ottawa.”

As Canada’s grain sector navigates ongoing domestic and global economic uncertainty, Grain Growers of Canada is confident Bruce Burrows brings the leadership and strategic perspective needed to advance and protect grain producers’ interests.

“Bruce brings a proven ability to drive sector priorities and build strong industry coalitions that effectively engage government,” said Grain Growers of Canada Chair Scott Hepworth. “The Board is confident he will strengthen our advocacy and help move those priorities forward for grain producers across Canada.”

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For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Sr. Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 18, 2026, 9:00am

Swine Innovation Porc funds research to combat Streptococcus suis infections in piglets

March 18, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is investing in new research aimed at addressing Streptococcus suis, a bacterial pathogen that can cause respiratory disease, meningitis, and sudden death in post-weaned piglets, leading to significant animal health challenges and economic losses for producers.

The project, “Harnessing Lactobacillus: Engineering Bacteriophage Endolysins to Combat Streptococcus suis Infection in Post-Weaned Piglets,” is led by Dongyan Xu Niu at the University of Calgary. The three-year study will explore a novel approach to controlling Streptococcus suis by engineering beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria to deliver bacteriophage-derived enzymes that can specifically target and break down the pathogen. Researchers will identify and optimize these enzymes, integrate them into Lactobacillus strains, and evaluate their ability to protect piglets from infection, potentially improving piglet health while reducing reliance on antimicrobials.

Supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency, this project is the latest funded under SIP’s Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals. SIP will invest up to $150,000, mobilizing up to $419,580 in total project funding.

“Strategic research investments like this help ensure Canadian producers have access to innovative tools and solutions to address priority health challenges in the barn,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of Swine Innovation Porc.

Projects are selected through a rigorous review process informed by industry input and scientific expertise, ensuring research outcomes are relevant, impactful, and positioned to deliver value back to producers and processors.

“This project reflects the type of collaborative, forward-looking research we aim to support through the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of SIP. “By bringing together leading researchers and industry priorities, we’re helping advance solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector.”

The Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals supports one to three-year projects running from 2025 to 2028 and involves collaboration among leading research institutions across Canada.

To learn more about the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals and the projects announced today, visit research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

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About Swine Innovation Porc:

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the Canadian pork industry. Through collaboration, funding research and promoting knowledge transfer, SIP works towards ensuring the sustained success of the Canadian pork sector. Learn more at swineinnovationporc.ca.

For further information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

**Swine Innovation Porc finance la recherche visant à lutter contre les infections à Streptococcus suis chez les porcelets**

18 mars 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) investit dans de nouvelles recherches visant à lutter contre le Streptococcus suis, un agent pathogène bactérien susceptible de provoquer des maladies respiratoires, des méningites et des morts subites chez les porcelets sevrés, ce qui entraîne d’importants problèmes de santé animale et des pertes économiques pour les éleveurs.

Le projet intitulé « Exploiter les lactobacilles : concevoir des endolysines de bactériophages pour lutter contre l’infection à Streptococcus suis chez les porcelets sevrés » est dirigé par Dongyan Xu Niu à l’Université de Calgary. Cette étude de trois ans explorera une nouvelle approche pour lutter contre le Streptococcus suis en modifiant génétiquement des bactéries bénéfiques du genre Lactobacillus afin qu’elles produisent des enzymes dérivées de bactériophages capables de cibler spécifiquement et de détruire l’agent pathogène. Les chercheurs identifieront et optimiseront ces enzymes, les intégreront dans des souches de Lactobacillus et évalueront leur capacité à protéger les porcelets contre l’infection, ce qui pourrait améliorer la santé des porcelets tout en réduisant le recours aux antimicrobiens.

Soutenu par l’Office de promotion et de recherche pour le porc, ce projet est le dernier en date à bénéficier d’un financement dans le cadre de l’appel à propositions de SIP intitulé « Faire progresser la recherche porcine ». SIP investira jusqu’à 150 000 $, ce qui permettra de mobiliser un financement total pouvant atteindre 419 580 $.

« De tels investissements stratégiques dans la recherche contribuent à garantir que les producteurs canadiens aient accès à des outils et à des solutions innovants pour relever les défis sanitaires prioritaires dans leurs exploitations » a déclaré Mark Ferguson, président de Swine Innovation Porc.

Les projets sont sélectionnés à l’issue d’un processus d’évaluation rigoureux, qui s’appuie sur les données fournies par le secteur et sur l’expertise scientifique, afin de garantir que les résultats de la recherche soient pertinents, aient un impact significatif et soient susceptibles d’apporter une valeur ajoutée aux producteurs et aux transformateurs.

« Ce projet illustre parfaitement le type de recherche collaborative et tournée vers l’avenir que nous souhaitons soutenir par le biais de l’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP.« En réunissant des chercheurs de premier plan et en répondant aux priorités de l’industrie, nous contribuons à faire émerger des solutions qui renforcent la résilience et la compétitivité à long terme du secteur porcin canadien. »

L’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine » soutient des projets d’une durée d’un à trois ans, menés de 2025 à 2028, et repose sur une collaboration entre des instituts de recherche de premier plan à travers le Canada.

Pour en savoir plus sur l’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine » et sur les projets annoncés aujourd’hui, rendez-vous sur research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

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À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc s’engage à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre pour assurer le succès durable du secteur porcin canadien. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur www.swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec :

Cole Christensen
Responsable des communications et des relations avec les intervenants
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 10, 2026, 9:00am

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week highlights importance of farm and ranch safety across Alberta

March 10, 2026 (Calgary, AB) – Ahead of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), AgSafe Alberta is encouraging farms and ranches across the province to include farm safety in their plans this spring to avoid injuries and save lives.

CASW is an annual campaign held in March with a focus on sharing information and resources to keep farming operations safe, healthy, sustainable and successful.

The Government of Alberta recently released 2024 agricultural workplace injury, illness and fatality statistics. While these statistics show the number of recorded injuries and fatalities in agriculture is decreasing, the size of the agriculture labour force is also shrinking. The 538 total injuries across the sector in 2024, each of which led to an average of just over 44 days of lost work, highlight the importance of safety plans and training, as well as the value of high-quality farm safety information and resources.

AgSafe Alberta executive director Jody Wacowich is available for media interviews before and during CASW to discuss farm injury and fatality statistics, provide safety advice to farmers and ranchers heading into the spring, and highlight farm safety resources that are available to producers.

What: Canadian Agricultural Safety Week

Who: Jody Wacowich, AgSafe Alberta Executive Director

When: March 15-21, 2026

Theme Days

March 16 – Rail and Road Safety
March 17 – Farm Machinery Safety
March 18 – Emergency Preparedness
March 19 – Women in Ag
March 20 – Livestock Safety

Where: Across Canada

Why: Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is a helpful, annual reminder of the importance of farm and ranch safety, but safety should be a focus year-round. All injuries and illnesses that result from farm work are avoidable, not inevitable, if producers are proactive with their planning and take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks inherent to their work.

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For more information, please contact:

Jody Wacowich
Executive Director
AgSafe Alberta
JWacowich@agsafeab.ca
587-585-2906

About AgSafe Alberta:
AgSafe Alberta is the health and safety association for agricultural producers in our province. As an industry-led organization, AgSafe Alberta works with and supports farms and ranches of all types and sizes in becoming safer places to live, work and grow up.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on February 6, 2026, 9:32am

Grain sector warns of information gaps in AAFC research reductions, calls for immediate program impact disclosure

Feb. 6, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.)—Grain Growers of Canada is calling on the federal government to provide clarity on the impacts of recent staffing reductions and announced closures or consolidations of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, stating that downstream consequences cannot be assessed without clear, program-level information.

“Transparency is essential when decisions affect the foundation of Canada’s agricultural research system,” said Scott Hepworth, chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Saskatchewan grain farmer.

“Without clear disclosure of what research capacity is being reduced or eliminated, the sector cannot understand the long-term risks to production and competitiveness,” he added. “It must be clear what capacity is being lost, where, and with what consequences.”

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has cited personnel confidentiality in limiting details on the announced changes. Grain Growers of Canada emphasized that while personnel confidentiality must be respected, it does not, and should not, prevent disclosure of which programs and research capacities are being impacted.

“Personnel confidentiality is not a barrier to clarity on program impacts,” Hepworth said. “Clarity of affected programs, facilities, and research capacity is both possible and necessary.”

The scale and pace of the announced reductions are raising serious concerns across the grain sector about long-term impacts on research capacity, regional expertise, and innovation pipelines. Decisions of this magnitude require clear impact assessments explaining how applied breeding programs, agronomic research, long-term datasets, and region-specific expertise were evaluated.

“The absence of clear information shifts risk directly onto the sector,” Hepworth said. “When institutional knowledge is lost, long-term datasets are broken, or regional research expertise disappears, those losses cannot simply be reversed, and the consequences will be felt long after these decisions are made.”

Grain Growers of Canada stressed that the release of timely, detailed information is essential. Early certainty around affected facilities, programs, and timelines would allow research partners and producer organizations to respond, mitigate disruption, and protect the integrity of ongoing research and production cycles.

Grain Growers of Canada is calling for immediate disclosure of affected programs, facilities, and research capacity, and will continue to engage with government to ensure decisions affecting

Canada’s agricultural research system do not undermine its global competitiveness, long-term viability, or farmers’ livelihoods.

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For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Senior Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on February 6, 2026, 9:17am

Canadian Pork Council and Swine Innovation Porc joint statement on AAFC research facility reductions

Feb. 6, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are disappointed by recent federal decisions affecting Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research facilities and scientific capacity, including centres in Guelph, Quebec City, Lacombe, and the AAFC Nappan Research Farm in Nova Scotia.

Yes, fiscal restraint is a reality, but reducing federal livestock research capacity represents a cut to critical investments and would have long-term risks to producers, the agri-food system, and Canada’s science-based decision-making credibility and food security.

The Canadian Pork Council represents more than 7,000 producers. Together, they contribute more than $8 billion to the Canadian economy, with pork exports exceeding $5 billion. Investments from the industry and government in research and innovation sustain animal health, disease preparedness, antimicrobial stewardship, environmental performance, and productivity.

Swine Innovation Porc coordinates national, producer-driven research investments, that rely on federal facilities to deliver public- good outcomes. These outcomes require independent expertise, long-term infrastructure, and national coordination are required.

Several Swine Innovation Porc supported projects have been conducted at, or are currently led from, AAFC facilities facing closure or funding reductions. One example is the ongoing Swine Cluster 4 pork quality project led by AAFC Lacombe. The project examines genetic and carcass characteristics of pork belly quality, now one of the most valuable cuts of the pig. This research relies on federal infrastructure and expertise to generate large scale carcass and genetic data needed to support balanced genetic selection, improve pork quality, and continue strengthening Canada’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Specialized livestock research capacity cannot be quickly rebuilt once lost. The weakening of this capacity will raise concerns about Canada’s ability to sustain coordinated science-based research that supports market access, value creation across the supply chain, and public confidence in Canadian food production.

The CPC and SIP remain committed to constructive engagement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and federal decision -makers. Research capacity is a strategic asset, not a discretionary expense. Preserving it is essential to the resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector and agri-food system.

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About Canadian Pork Council (CPC):

The CPC is the national voice for pork producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork organizations representing more than 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector. The CPC serves its membership through national and international advocacy efforts as well as through the development and implementation of initiatives, such as food safety, animal care and health, traceability, environment and sustainability, international trade and nutrition.

About Swine Innovation Porc:

For further information, contact:

Sara Porras
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Pork Council
porras@cpc-ccp.com
(613) 292-3436

Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

Déclaration conjointe du Conseil canadien du porc et de Swine Innovation Porc concernant les réductions des installations de recherche d’AAC

6 février 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Le Conseil canadien du porc (CCP) et Swine Innovation Porc se disent déçus par les récentes décisions fédérales touchant les installations de recherche et la capacité scientifique d’Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada (AAC), notamment les centres de Guelph, de Québec et de Lacombe, ainsi que la ferme de recherche de Nappan d’AAC en Nouvelle-Écosse.

La rigueur budgétaire est une réalité. Toutefois, la réduction de la capacité fédérale en recherche sur l’élevage constitue une coupure dans des investissements essentiels et comporte des risques à long terme pour les éleveurs, le système agroalimentaire ainsi que pour la crédibilité du Canada en matière de prise de décisions fondées sur la science et de sécurité alimentaire.

Le Conseil canadien du porc représente plus de 7 000 fermes porcines. Ensemble, ils contribuent à hauteur de plus de 8 milliards de dollars à l’économie canadienne, les exportations de porc dépassant 5 milliards de dollars. Les investissements de l’industrie et des gouvernements en recherche et en innovation soutiennent la santé animale, la préparation aux maladies, l’intendance des antimicrobiens, la performance environnementale et la productivité.

Swine Innovation Porc coordonne des investissements nationaux en recherche dirigés par les éleveurs, qui reposent sur les installations fédérales pour générer des retombées d’intérêt public. Ces retombées nécessitent une expertise indépendante, des infrastructures à long terme et une coordination à l’échelle nationale.

Plusieurs projets appuyés par Swine Innovation Porc ont été réalisés dans des installations d’AAC ou sont actuellement dirigés à partir de celles-ci, alors que ces installations font face à des fermetures ou à des réductions de financement. C’est notamment le cas du projet en cours du Cluster porcin 4 sur la qualité du porc, dirigé par AAC à Lacombe. Ce projet porte sur les caractéristiques génétiques et de carcasse de la poitrine de porc, aujourd’hui l’une des coupes les plus valorisées. Cette recherche repose sur les

infrastructures et l’expertise fédérales pour produire des données à grande échelle sur les carcasses et la génétique, afin de soutenir une sélection génétique équilibrée, d’améliorer la qualité du porc et de renforcer la compétitivité du Canada sur les marchés nationaux et internationaux.

Une fois perdue, la capacité spécialisée en recherche sur l’élevage ne peut être reconstituée rapidement. La réduction de cette capacité soulève des préoccupations quant à la capacité du Canada à maintenir une recherche coordonnée et fondée sur la science, qui appuie l’accès aux marchés, la création de valeur tout au long de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et la confiance du public à l’égard de la production alimentaire canadienne.

Le CCP et Swine Innovation Porc demeurent engagés à collaborer de manière constructive avec Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada et les décideurs fédéraux. La capacité de recherche est un actif stratégique, et non une dépense discrétionnaire. Sa préservation est essentielle à la résilience et à la compétitivité du secteur porcin et du système agroalimentaire du Canada.

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À propos du Conseil canadien du porc :

Le CCP est le porte-parole national des éleveurs de porcs au Canada. Fédération de neuf organisations porcines provinciales représentant plus de 7 000 exploitations agricoles, le CCP joue un rôle de premier plan dans la réalisation et le maintien d’un secteur porcin canadien dynamique et prospère. Le CCP sert ses membres par le biais d’efforts de défense nationaux et internationaux ainsi que par l’élaboration et la mise en oeuvre d’initiatives, telles que la sécurité alimentaire, les soins et la santé des animaux, la traçabilité, l’environnement et le développement durable, le commerce international et la nutrition.

À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc se consacre à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre pour assurer le succès durable du secteur porcin canadien. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le site swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec :

Sara Porras
Coordonnatrice des communications
Conseil canadien du porc
porras@cpc-ccp.com
(613) 292-3436

Cole Christensen
Gestionnaire des communications et des relations avec les parties prenantes
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529