OTTAWA, Ontario – The Canadian government announced funding of more than C$6 million toward production, public outreach and market expansion programs.

More than C$3.8 million will help launch on-farm food safety, traceability and animal care programs aimed at strengthening compliance under the country’s PigTrace program. Another C$1.2 million will help promote and expand markets for Canadian pork, and C$1.1 million will fund initiatives that increase pork production and efficient feeding strategies.

“The projects announced today further strengthen the Canadian Pork Excellence platform and contribute to growing the Canadian economy,” said Rick Bergmann, Canadian Pork Council chair. “Canadian pork producers take great pride in producing the nutritious, high quality pork that is in high demand in markets around the world. Our on-farm food safety and animal care programs enable producers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable pork production.”

The funding was provided under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is a five-year, C$3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

“The Canadian pork industry has been instrumental in establishing consumer trust in Canadian pork and helping expand markets at home and abroad,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our government is committed to working with industry to build a stronger and more innovative pork sector, while improving competitiveness and fostering continued economic growth for our middle-class.”

In 2018, Canada’s pork industry exports were valued at C$4 billion. Canada is a top-three exporter of pork in the world.