The Canadian hog industry Code of Practice requires all producers to convert all farms to group sow housing by 2029, and progress is being steadily made toward this goal.
Canadian Pork Council executive director Stephen Heckbert said as the sector prepares, the main priority is long-term economic viability and the best way to ensure no surprises.
“One of the key lessons we’ve learned from that is to communicate more,” said Heckbert.
It’s important to talk more to producers to ensure they know what’s happening at the table, have a voice, and understand, acknowledge, and address their priorities.
“We’ve done some homework, talking to folks, and being open, honest, and upfront in our communications,” he said.
The industry has formed an internal technical committee with producers nationwide who lead in forming priorities and discussing what is happening in the process. It’s going to have its first in-person meeting in April or May.
Heckbert emphasized that the sector’s primary focus is long-term economic viability as it prepares for upcoming changes. “The number one way we can deliver that is no surprises,” highlighting the importance of predictability for producers.
He explained they must carefully evaluate infrastructure changes to ensure they are feasible for producers. “We take a good, long, hard look at whether producers can invest in these changes over time. If future updates are required, we need to consider grandfathering them to ease the burden,” he said. The goal is to keep producers competitive while securing the sector’s sustainability.
Heckbert also stressed the importance of grounding decisions in science, particularly when addressing animal care practices. “Sometimes welfare groups suggest changes without scientific backing,” he noted. “We’re not just going to accept something because someone says it will improve animal care. You’ve got to prove it to us.”
Heckbert explained the complexities of animal welfare using tail docking as an example. “Animal rights groups often criticize tail docking, but if you don’t dock tails, pigs may bite each other’s tails, leading to blood in the pen, increased aggression, and animal harm. These consequences matter, and it’s important to make decisions based on science and input from producers, not just assumptions.”
Heckbert reiterated the sector’s commitment to ensuring that updates or changes prioritize producer competitiveness, animal welfare, and long-term viability. “It’s about listening to the science and hearing from producers about what works best for them,” he said.
He said regulations in other jurisdictions, such as California’s Proposition 12, influence discussions by introducing ideas that may lack scientific backing. For example, California’s mandate for 24 square feet per sow was not based on scientific evidence but on what was deemed convenient. Some stakeholders advocate for similar measures, drawing from perceived successes in these jurisdictions. However, the Canadian Pork Council emphasizes the need for science-based decisions that genuinely improve animal welfare while maintaining the economic viability of producers.

Consumers also shape these conversations, though their actions often diverge from their stated priorities. While market research shows consumers express concern for sustainability, their price determines purchasing decisions rather than sustainability considerations. This disconnect highlights the importance of balancing market realities with policy decisions to ensure feasible outcomes for producers and consumers.
“It’s important to listen to pork producers and make decisions informed by science,” he said.
The challenge lies in integrating a clear understanding of consumers’ habits into the conversation. While some stakeholders may focus on idealized consumer preferences, it’s crucial to ground discussions in what consumers do, not just what they claim they’d like to do. This ensures that decisions align with actual market behaviours rather than hypothetical expectations.
Heckbert said frankly it’s essential producers share their comments or questions by contacting their local pork organization or the Canadian Pork Council (CPC). The goal is to foster engagement and meaningful conversations. •
— By Harry Siemens