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July, 2008 |
Board Highlights Volume 10, Issue 7 |
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The purpose of this Newsflash is to help keep you informed on the issues the Board is dealing with on your behalf.
This update is sent by fax or e-mail (preferably e-mail wherever possible). If you have received a duplicate fax or e-mail, wish to make changes, or would like to be added to or removed from our distribution list, please let us know.
Please direct any questions or comments to the Ontario Pork Communications department at 1-877-ONT-PORK (668-7675) or by e-mail to comm@ontariopork.on.ca
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The following are highlights from the July 29-30th, 2008 Ontario Pork board meeting.
Mary-Ann Hendrikx, one of three Board representatives to the Electoral Structure Review Working Group presented an overview of the proposed restructuring as presented to the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission. |
| Canada Pork Council Annual Meeting Report |
Wilma Jeffray provided a brief overview of the CPC Annual Meeting held in Edmonton on July 2nd and 3rd, 2008, highlighting the governance review and related funding scenarios which will be presented for final approval at the November 2008 Semi-Annual Meeting.
In attendance was the US National Pork Producers Council whose focus was on changing attitudes towards US ethanol policy due to its impact on food prices.
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OnTrace |
Tim Metzger, Project Manager, joined the table and made reference to the Ontario Agri-Food Premises Registry presentation by OnTrace at the last regular Board of Directors
Ontario Pork is responsible for the implementation of the National ID and Traceability System for the Ontario hog industry.
It was reported that Ontario Pork’s Traceability Program requires the validation of the legal land information contained in the Ontario Pork Premises database on a yearly basis. The Board passed a motion to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with OnTrace for them to validate the legal land information contained in the Ontario Pork Premises database. |
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Cull Swine Breeding Program Update |
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Teresa Van Raay, the Board’s representative to the Ontario Sow Cull Working Group reported on program uptake, and highlighted that product is finally reaching Ontario food banks.
An emerging issue was brought forward. Cases have been reported where partial culls have been approved, contrary to Ontario Pork’s understanding of the requirement to completely empty a barn for a minimum of three years. The inconsistency appears to be around the definition of “barn” and its application – whether or not you can have more than one “barn” under the same roof be it connected by a walkway or a corridor. As a result this could impact a number of Ontario producers who had understood that they were ineligible for the program.
It was decided to ask CPC for clarification of this definition. |
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Market Renewal Strategy Update |
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Ken Ovington, Director of Strategic Management, provided an update and overview of timelines for the MRS project highlighting the third strategic review meeting in August. The intent of the meeting is to review the finalized first draft of the MRS Business Plan document. It is expected that the final document will put forth one recommended option for both a long-term and short-term strategy for that option. The document is due for presentation at the August Board of Directors Meeting.
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Country of Origin Labeling |
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Discussions were held regarding a recently announced rule for Country of Origin Labelling and associated labelling requirements.
Category 1 – Product of USA
Category 2 – Product of USA and Country X
Category 3 – Product of Country X and USA (imported for immediate slaughter)
Category 4 – All non US Product
The Board debated the implications for Canadian swine. |
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Animal Health Act |
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Teresa Van Raay, Ontario Pork’s representative to the Ontario Livestock and Poultry Council (OLPC), reviewed the OLPC’s work to date on promoting the need for an Ontario Animal Health Act.
The Board offered that the legislation be acceptable to all industry partners - that it be reasonable to enforce and that emergency plans are implemented in consultation with industry. The Board stated that an Animal Health Act must include absolute recognition of the cost implications for non-supply managed sectors.
The Board also agreed that an Animal Health Act needs to provide compensation in the event of an emergency management measure.
OLPC will be engaging in a strategic planning process. |
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Safety Nets Targeted Advance Payments |
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Ontario Pork Safety Net Committee Chair, Phil Anwender, introduced Stephen Duff, Senior Policy Advisor, OMAFRA – CAIS, AgriInvest, AgriRecovery.
Stephen provided a brief overview of the AgriInvest Program highlighting that it is not new money but rather the redistribution of funds in a structure similar to NISA. The group discussed the issue of negative Allowable Net Sales and their impact on AgriInvest contributions.
Stephen reported that the uptake on the interim payment option has been disappointingly low, and the group discussed the challenge in marketing it as an option to producers. It was suggested that AgriCorp could hold or attend more producer meetings in an effort to reach those producers who should be availing themselves of this option.
Stephen stated that in order for a Targeted Advance Payment (TAP) program to be implemented in Ontario, there would need to be agreement from both the federal and provincial governments.
The Board discussed issues with the Advanced Payments Program (APP) citing concerns around producer’s ability to meet the repayment schedule and reports that some banks have been reducing lines of credit for producers in receipt of APP. Producers need to understand the implications – what the APP was designed to do and the impacts of default. The APP is a loan program, not a grant program. |
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WTO |
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Clare Schlegel gave an update on the WTO discussions highlighting the breakdown around China’s and India’s safeguard requirements. Talks are not expected to resume until after the US Presidential election and elections in Brazil.
Clare spoke to Canada’s position and the challenge of reconciling the resources representing supply-management, with the need to advance opportunities for export dependent commodities.
Unfortunately, there has been no response to CPC’s latest ask of the federal government. |
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