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

Canada’s Pork Sector Launches the Pork Research Hub

July 9, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), Prairie Swine Centre (PSC), the Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ), and the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), are proud to launch the Pork Research Hub, a national platform connecting Canada’s pork sector with research, innovation and practical knowledge.

The Pork Research Hub consolidates research articles, technical resources, videos, webinars, podcasts and innovation stories from Canada’s swine research community into a single accessible, bilingual platform. Designed to support producers, researchers, industry leaders and partners across the value chain, the Hub helps improve access to Canadian pork research and makes it easier to find practical information that can support decision-making and knowledge transfer.

The platform is organized around two core areas: the Resource Library, a searchable collection of research articles, factsheets, tools and technical resources, and Research in Action, a curated section highlighting the real-world impacts of Canadian pork research through articles, videos, podcasts, webinars and innovation stories.

The Hub was developed through a collaborative national partnership. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening coordination and broadening access to research in support of Canada’s pork sector. Its development was supported by contributions from SIP, PSC, CDPQ, CCSI and the Pork Promotion and Research Agency.

Today’s launch marks the starting point for a platform that will continue to grow. New resources, tools and features will be added over time, making the Hub an even more valuable resource for producers, researchers and partners across Canada’s pork sector.

The Pork Research Hub is now live at: porkresearchhub.ca

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Quotes

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

“SIP brought partners together to build the Pork Research Hub because research has the greatest value when it is easy to find, easy to use and connected to action. This platform gives Canada’s pork sector a stronger foundation to share knowledge and put it to work.”

— Daniel Ramage, General Manager
Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

Prairie Swine Centre (PSC)

“Producers are looking for practical, science-based information they can apply on farm. The Pork Research Hub helps bridge the gap between research and application by making valuable knowledge easier to access, understand and use. We’re proud to contribute our expertise and resources to a platform that supports informed decision-making across the industry.”

— Dr. Murray Pettitt, CEO
Prairie Swine Centre (PSC)

Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ)

“Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to advancing innovation in Canada’s pork sector. The Pork Research Hub creates new opportunities to connect researchers, producers and industry partners while improving access to bilingual resources and practical information that can support producers across the country.”

— Jacques Faucher, General Manager
Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ)

Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI)

“Canada’s pork sector is driven by innovation, data and genetics. The Pork Research Hub provides an important national platform to share that knowledge at scale. By making research and technical resources more accessible, the Hub will drive continuous improvement and help the sector stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.”

— Brian Sullivan, CEO
Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI)

About the Pork Research Hub
The Pork Research Hub is a bilingual national platform connecting Canada’s pork sector with research, innovation and practical knowledge. Created through a partnership between Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), Prairie Swine Centre (PSC), the Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ), and the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), the Hub provides centralized access to research articles, technical resources, webinars, videos and innovation stories that support the advancement of Canada’s pork sector.

For further information, contact:

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

Le secteur porcin canadien lance le Pôle de recherche porcine

9 juillet 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), le Prairie Swine Centre (PSC), le Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ) et le Centre canadien pour l’amélioration des porcs (CCAP) sont fiers de lancer le Pôle de recherche porcine, une plateforme nationale qui met en relation le secteur porcin canadien avec la recherche, l’innovation et les connaissances pratiques.

Le Pôle de recherche porcine rassemble des articles de recherche, des ressources techniques, des vidéos, des webinaires, des balados et des témoignages d’innovation issus de la communauté de recherche porcine canadienne au sein d’une plateforme unique, accessible et bilingue. Conçu pour soutenir les producteurs, les chercheurs, les leaders de l’industrie et les partenaires tout au long de la chaîne de valeur, le Pôle contribue à améliorer l’accès à la recherche porcine canadienne et facilite la recherche d’informations pratiques pouvant faciliter la prise de décision et le transfert de connaissances.

La plateforme s’articule autour de deux volets principaux : la Bibliothèque de ressources, une collection consultable d’articles de recherche, de fiches d’information, d’outils et de ressources techniques, et « La recherche en action », une section spécialement conçue pour mettre en avant les retombées concrètes de la recherche porcine canadienne à travers des articles, des vidéos, des balados, des webinaires et des témoignages d’innovation.

Le Pôle a été conçu dans le cadre d’un partenariat national collaboratif. Il traduit une volonté commune de renforcer la coordination et d’élargir l’accès à la recherche afin de soutenir le secteur porcin canadien. Sa mise en place a bénéficié du soutien financier de SIP, du PSC, de la CDPQ, du CCAP et de l’Office canadien de promotion et de recherche sur le porc.

Le lancement d’aujourd’hui marque le point de départ d’une plateforme appelée à se développer. De nouvelles ressources, de nouveaux outils et de nouvelles fonctionnalités seront ajoutés au fil du temps, faisant de ce Pôle une ressource encore plus précieuse pour les producteurs, les chercheurs et les partenaires de l’ensemble du secteur porcin canadien.

Le Pôle de recherche porcine est désormais accessible à l’adresse suivante : porkresearchhub.ca

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Citations

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

« SIP a réuni des partenaires pour créer le Pôle de recherche porcine, car la recherche prend toute sa valeur lorsqu’elle est facile à trouver, simple à utiliser et orientée vers l’action. Cette plateforme offre au secteur porcin canadien une base plus solide pour partager les connaissances et les mettre en pratique. »

— Daniel Ramage, directeur général
Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

Prairie Swine Centre (PSC)

« Les éleveurs recherchent des informations pratiques et fondées sur la science qu’ils peuvent mettre en œuvre dans leur exploitation. Le Pôle de recherche porcine contribue à combler le fossé entre la recherche et la pratique en rendant ces précieuses connaissances plus faciles d’accès, plus compréhensibles et plus faciles à mettre en œuvre. Nous sommes fiers d’apporter notre expertise et nos ressources à une plateforme qui favorise une prise de décision éclairée dans l’ensemble du secteur. »

— Dr. Murray Pettitt, PDG
Prairie Swine Centre (PSC)

Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ)

« La collaboration et le partage des connaissances sont essentiels pour faire progresser l’innovation dans le secteur porcin canadien. Le Pôle de recherche porcine offre de nouvelles occasions de mettre en relation chercheurs, producteurs et partenaires de l’industrie, tout en améliorant l’accès à des ressources bilingues et à des informations pratiques susceptibles d’aider les producteurs partout au pays. »

— Jacques Faucher, directeur général
Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ)

Centre canadien pour l’amélioration des porcs (CCAP)

« Le secteur porcin canadien est porté par l’innovation, les données et la génétique. Le Pôle de recherche porcine offre une importante plateforme nationale pour diffuser ces connaissances à grande échelle. En rendant la recherche et les ressources techniques plus accessibles, le Pôle favorisera l’amélioration continue et aidera le secteur à demeurer concurrentiel dans une industrie en évolution rapide. »

— Brian Sullivan, PDG
Centre canadien pour l’amélioration des porcs (CCAP)

À propos du Pôle de recherche porcine
Le Pôle de recherche porcine est une plateforme nationale bilingue qui met en relation le secteur porcin canadien avec la recherche, l’innovation et les connaissances pratiques. Créé grâce à un partenariat entre Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), le Prairie Swine Centre (PSC), le Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ) et le Centre canadien pour l’amélioration des porcs (CCAP), le Pôle offre un accès centralisé à des articles de recherche, des ressources techniques, des webinaires, des vidéos et des témoignages d’innovation qui soutiennent le développement du secteur porcin canadien.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :

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 June 15, 2026, 10:09am

Meat Processors Welcome National Food Security Strategy but Warn of Export Market Risks and Labour Gaps

June 15, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) and Canada’s federally licensed red meat processing sector welcome the Government of Canada’s recently announced National Food Security Strategy, particularly its commitment to strengthening domestic food processing capacity. However, the sector is raising concerns about proposed exemptions from federal food safety requirements for non-federally licensed processors, which could create risks for international market access, as well as the absence of measures to address persistent labour shortages in the agri-food sector.

“Canada’s meat processors are at the heart of agricultural communities across the country,” said Sylvain Fournaise, Chair of the CMC. “We welcome the initial investments aimed at expanding domestic food processing capacity, especially at a time when many companies— including small and medium-sized beef processors—are facing significant financial pressures driven by high input costs and evolving global market conditions.”

The strategy includes $1 billion in Farm Credit Canada financing for food and agriculture businesses, $150 million for small and medium-sized enterprises, and $100 million to support the commercialization of agricultural innovation. However, it also proposes exemptions from the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations for certain non-federally licensed processors. These regulations underpin Canada’s federally inspected meat system and guide Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversight of federally licensed establishments, ensuring consistent food safety standards for both domestic and international markets.

“The Canadian food safety system, administered by the CFIA under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, is recognized internationally as a benchmark for high standards,” said Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the CMC. “Any measures that create parallel or differentiated regulatory frameworks risk undermining the confidence that underpins Canada’s export market access. Federally licensed processors continue to invest heavily to maintain the highest food safety standards, and it is important that regulatory changes do not unintentionally disadvantage that system.”

Despite significant investments aimed at expanding food processing capacity, the strategy does not include a plan to address ongoing labour shortages in the agri-food sector. With the expiration of the Agri-Food Pilot in the spring of 2025, the CMC continues to work with industry partners to advocate for a permanent immigration stream for agri-food workers to support longterm sector growth and resilience.

“Many meat processors across Canada are unable to operate at full capacity due to persistent labour shortages,” added Larkin. “This is not only affecting current production and Canada’s food security objectives, but is also constraining planned investments in facility expansion.

Without a durable solution following the Agri-Food Pilot, the sector’s ability to contribute fully to Canada’s economy will remain limited.”

The Canadian Meat Council looks forward to working with the Government of Canada to advance policies that strengthen domestic food processing capacity, ensure regulatory consistency, and support a stable and skilled workforce, while maintaining Canada’s internationally recognized food safety standards.

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About the Canadian Meat Council: 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.meatcouncil.ca

For media inquiries, please contact:

Julia Pennella
Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
647-987-1934 | julia@meatcouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 12, 2026, 1:53pm

Grain Growers of Canada Welcomes National Food Security Strategy, Calls for Concrete Action

June 12, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy and its recognition that keeping food affordable means supporting the farmers who grow it through modern regulations, reliable supply chains, domestic market opportunities, and successful farm succession.

Grain farmers are at the heart of our country’s food security, with up to 30 per cent of their annual crop production destined for Canadian markets. Their ability to produce competitively depends on the broader cost environment around them, including access to inputs, efficient regulations, reliable transportation systems, and market opportunities at home.

Recent commitments to update the mandate of Health Canada’s Pesticides Regulatory Directorate, formerly the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, to account for food security and the cost of food are an important step.

The government’s move to improve access to crop protection tools, while maintaining Canada’s high safety standards, further reflects the need for a regulatory system that supports innovation, competitiveness, and food security.

With over 97 per cent of Canadian farms family owned and operated, GGC welcomes the government’s focus on succession planning, including measures to help young farmers enter the sector, access financing, and take over family operations. The next generation of farmers will be critical to the future of Canadian agriculture and the country’s long-term food security.

GGC will be looking to ensure these commitments translate into concrete action: faster approvals for key farm inputs, reliable supply chains that move Canadian grain to market, expanded domestic market opportunities, and increased federal investment in agricultural research.

Canada’s grain farmers are ready to do their part to support food affordability and food security for Canadians and customers around the world. The right policy environment will help them deliver.

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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
Sr. Manager, Communications
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 2, 2026, 4:09pm

Grain Growers of Canada signs trilateral industry letter calling for CUSMA renewal and strengthening

June 2, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has joined more than 160 agricultural organizations from Canada, the United States and Mexico in signing a trilateral industry letter calling for the renewal and strengthening of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC).

The letter, addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, calls on all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review.

Canadian grain farmers have a direct stake in the outcome.

Canada exports over 70 per cent of the grain it grows, generating $45 billion in annual export value. The United States is the sector’s largest trading partner, with over $17 billion in grain and grain products flowing there annually, a highly integrated market that cannot be replaced at scale. From 2024 to 2025, the export value of Canadian grain and grain products decreased by over $2.3 billion, a reflection of how quickly market access disruptions translate into farm-level losses.

Reliable, rules-based market access is a core requirement for farm viability, and CUSMA has been central to that. The agreement has supported export growth for grain, oilseed and pulse producers since its entry into force, with Canadian grain flowing through North American supply chains and onward to global markets.

The July 1 joint review is an opportunity to reinforce an agreement that creates stability and predictability: conditions producers need to make long-term investments, sign forward contracts, and keep grain moving to global customers. As negotiations get underway, Canada’s grain sector must be front of mind. Anything less puts export value, farm livelihoods, and billions in annual economic activity at risk.

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 2, 2026, 2:47pm

North American agricultural coalition calls for CUSMA/USMCA renewal as Canadian delegation heads to Capitol Hill

CAFTA delegation to meet with members of key congressional committees and federal officials as nearly 160 organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico urge governments to protect the North American agricultural trading framework ahead of July 1 review.

June 2, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is joining nearly 160 North American agricultural organizations in calling for the renewal and strengthening of CUSMA/USMCA and backing that call with a delegation in Washington this week for direct meetings with members of key congressional committees and federal officials ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review.

CAFTA and its member organizations are among the signatories of a trilateral industry letter released today to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, urging all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework that has tripled agrifood trade between the three countries between 2005 and 2023, reaching $285 billion.

Meetings will reinforce the trilateral letter’s call to protect that rules-based framework and ensure the July 1 review strengthens and preserves the disciplines that have made the agreement work.

“Nearly 160 organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico are sending the same message today: CUSMA works for North American agriculture, and the July 1 review is the moment to preserve what’s working,” said Greg Northey, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.

The delegation’s message to U.S. officials is grounded in shared economic interest, as the organizations behind that call represent supply chains that run deep into the American economy.

“The producers, processors and exporters we represent support nearly half a million American jobs and $149 billion in U.S. economic output,” added Michael Harvey, executive director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “A predictable, rules-based CUSMA/USMCA is a strategic asset for North American food security, and new uncertainty would inject risk into supply chains across rural America.”

Canada is one of the United States’ top two agricultural export markets, buying more American agricultural goods than Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom combined. The North American agri-food supply chain supports nearly 493,000 American jobs and $36 billion in wages, while helping sustain the broader $3.5 billion in goods and services traded across the Canada-U.S. border each day.

Keeping CUSMA/USMCA on stable, predictable footing is critical to North America’s competitive position and economic security. The July 1, 2026, CUSMA/USMCA joint review is a key opportunity to preserve those gains, reinforce enforcement and predictability, and build on a framework that has delivered substantial export growth for agri-food products since 2020.

CAFTA representatives will be available to discuss the outcomes of this week’s meetings with media following their conclusion.

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional organizations representing producers, processors and exporters across Canada’s major agri-food sectors. The alliance advocates for an open, rules-based and fair international trading environment for Canadian agriculture and agri-food, supporting jobs and growth in rural communities across Canada while helping keep food affordable and supply chains resilient across North America.

For media inquiries, contact:
Hana Sabah, communications consultant
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841

Une coalition agricole nord-américaine réclame le renouvellement de l’ACEUM alors qu’une délégation canadienne se rend au Capitole

Une délégation de l’ACCA rencontrera des membres des commissions du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux, tandis que près de 160 organisations des États-Unis, du Canada et du Mexique exhortent les gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain à l’approche de l’examen du 1er juillet.

juin 2 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) se joint à près de 160 organisations agricoles nord-américaines pour réclamer le renouvellement et le renforcement de l’ACEUM. Elle appuie cet appel par l’envoi d’une délégation à Washington cette semaine, afin de tenir des rencontres directes avec des membres du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux en amont de l’examen conjoint prévu le 1er juillet 2026.

L’ACCA et ses organisations membres figurent parmi les signataires d’une lettre trilatérale du secteur, rendue publique aujourd’hui et adressée au représentant américain au Commerce, Jamieson Greer, au ministre canadien Dominic LeBlanc et au secrétaire mexicain à l’Économie, Marcelo Ebrard. Cette lettre exhorte les trois gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain intégré, lequel a permis de tripler les échanges agroalimentaires entre les trois pays entre 2005 et 2023, pour atteindre un volume de 285 milliards de dollars.

Ces rencontres viendront renforcer l’appel lancé dans la lettre trilatérale visant à protéger ce cadre fondé sur des règles, et à garantir que l’examen du 1er juillet consolide et préserve les disciplines qui ont assuré le bon fonctionnement de l’accord.

« Près de 160 organisations aux États-Unis, au Canada et au Mexique transmettent aujourd’hui le même message : l’ACEUM est bénéfique pour le secteur agricole nord-américain, et l’examen du 1er juillet constitue le moment opportun pour préserver ce qui fonctionne », a déclaré Greg Northey, président de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire.

Le message de la délégation aux représentants américains repose sur un intérêt économique partagé, car les organisations à l’origine de cet appel représentent des chaînes d’approvisionnement profondément ancrées dans l’économie américaine.

« Les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs que nous représentons soutiennent près d’un demi-million d’emplois américains et génèrent 149 milliards de dollars de production économique aux États-Unis », a ajouté Michael Harvey, directeur général de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire.

« Un ACEUM prévisible et fondé sur des règles constitue un atout stratégique pour la sécurité alimentaire nord-américaine ; toute nouvelle incertitude introduirait des risques au sein des chaînes d’approvisionnement dans l’ensemble des régions rurales des États-Unis. »

Le Canada figure parmi les deux principaux marchés d’exportation de produits agricoles des États-Unis, achetant davantage de produits agricoles américains que le Japon, la Corée du Sud et le Royaume-Uni réunis. La chaîne d’approvisionnement agroalimentaire nord-américaine soutient près de 493 000 emplois américains et génère 36 milliards de dollars en salaires, tout en contribuant à soutenir le volume global de 3,5 milliards de dollars de biens et services échangés quotidiennement à la frontière canado-américaine.

Maintenir l’ACEUM sur des bases stables et prévisibles est essentiel à la position concurrentielle et à la sécurité économique de l’Amérique du Nord. L’examen conjoint de l’ACEUM, prévu pour le 1er juillet 2026, constitue une occasion privilégiée de préserver ces acquis, de renforcer l’application des règles et la prévisibilité, et de consolider un cadre qui a permis une croissance substantielle des exportations de produits agroalimentaires depuis 2020.

Les représentants de l’ACCA seront disponibles pour discuter des résultats des réunions de cette semaine avec les médias, une fois celles-ci terminées.

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À propos de l’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire
L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) est une coalition d’organisations nationales et régionales qui représente les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs des principaux secteurs agroalimentaires du Canada. L’Alliance défend un environnement commercial international ouvert, fondé sur des règles et équitable pour l’agriculture et l’agroalimentaire canadiens, en appuyant la création d’emplois et la croissance dans les communautés rurales du Canada, tout en contribuant à garder les aliments abordables et les chaînes d’approvisionnement résilientes partout en Amérique du Nord.

Pour les demandes médias, veuillez contacter :
Hana Sabah, consultante en communications
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on May 28, 2026, 9:00am

Swine Innovation Porc to Host Webinar on Disease Risk and Antimicrobial Use in Swine Production

May 28, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) will host a national webinar on June 17 at 1:00 p.m. ET exploring how disease prevention and management strategies can help reduce antimicrobial use in swine production.

Titled Disease Risk and Antimicrobial Use in Swine: From Post-Weaning Diarrhea to System-Level Prevention, the webinar will feature Dr. Vahab Farzan (University of Guelph) and Dr. Gustavo Silva (Iowa State University), who will provide complementary perspectives on disease risk, prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship in swine systems.

Dr. Farzan will present findings from Swine Cluster 4 research on post-weaning diarrhea (PWD)., He will share insights from a pan-Canadian epidemiological study examining key bacterial strains, risk factors, and management challenges linked to PWD in nursery pigs. Dr. Silva will provide a broader systems-level perspective on how diseases such as PRRS and other endemic conditions spread within swine production systems, and how biosecurity, surveillance, and risk assessment can help reduce disease pressure and improve herd health.

“Disease prevention and antimicrobial stewardship remain major priorities for producers across Canada,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc. “This webinar will provide practical insights into the factors driving disease risk and the strategies that can help producers improve herd health while reducing reliance on antimicrobials.”

The session will also examine how research and epidemiology can support long-term sustainability and more resilient swine production systems.

“Improving our understanding of disease risk is essential to supporting better on-farm management decisions,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of Swine Innovation Porc. “Research like this helps provide producers with practical tools and knowledge to strengthen productivity, sustainability, and animal health.”

The webinar will include presentations from both speakers followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A. French live translation will also be available.

To register for this webinar, click here.

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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
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

Swine Innovation Porc présentera un webinaire sur les risques de maladies et l’utilisation des antimicrobiens dans la production porcine

28 mai 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) présentera un webinaire national le 17 juin prochain à 13 h (heure de l’Est) afin d’examiner comment les stratégies de prévention et de gestion des maladies peuvent contribuer à réduire l’utilisation d’antimicrobiens dans la production porcine.

Intitulé Risques de maladies et utilisation des antimicrobiens chez les porcs : de la diarrhée post-sevrage à la prévention à l’échelle du système, ce webinaire mettra en vedette le Dr Vahab Farzan (Université de Guelph) et le Dr Gustavo Silva (Université d’État de l’Iowa), qui présenteront des points de vue complémentaires sur les risques de maladies, la prévention et la gestion des antimicrobiens dans les systèmes d’élevage porcin.

Le Dr Farzan présentera les résultats des recherches de la « Grappe porcine 4 » sur la diarrhée post-sevrage (DPS). Il partagera les conclusions d’une étude épidémiologique pancanadienne portant sur les principales souches bactériennes, les facteurs de risque et les défis de gestion liés à la DPS chez les porcelets en pouponnière. Le Dr Silva présentera une perspective systémique plus large sur la façon dont des maladies comme le SDRP et d’autres affections endémiques se propagent au sein des systèmes de production porcine, et sur la façon dont la biosécurité, la surveillance et l’évaluation des risques peuvent contribuer à réduire la pression exercée par les maladies et à améliorer la santé des troupeaux.

« La prévention des maladies et la gestion responsable des antimicrobiens restent des priorités majeures pour les éleveurs partout au Canada », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de Swine Innovation Porc. « Ce webinaire fournira des informations pratiques sur les facteurs qui augmentent le risque de maladies et sur les stratégies susceptibles d’aider les éleveurs à améliorer la santé de leur cheptel tout en réduisant le recours aux antimicrobiens. »

Le webinaire explorera également comment la recherche et l’épidémiologie peuvent contribuer à la viabilité à long terme et à la résilience des systèmes de production porcine.

« Il est essentiel de mieux comprendre les risques de maladies pour aider les éleveurs à prendre de meilleures décisions en matière de gestion de leur exploitation », a déclaré Mark Ferguson, président de Swine Innovation Porc. « Des recherches comme celle-ci permettent de fournir aux éleveurs des outils pratiques et des connaissances pour renforcer la productivité, la durabilité et la santé animale. »

Le webinaire comprendra les présentations des deux conférenciers, suivies d’une table ronde animée et d’une séance de questions-réponses avec le public. Une traduction simultanée en français sera également assurée.

Pour vous inscrire à ce webinaire, cliquez ici.

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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
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

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