George Matheson, the Chair of Manitoba Pork said to defend against African Swine Fever, both Canadian and U.S. pork producers would like to see a reduction of feed imports from China.

A Manitoba Pork delegation participated in the 2019 Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines and met with fellow pork producers, U.S. pork sector officials, and politicians.

Matheson said animal health, particularly the threat posed by African Swine Fever, is top of mind among producers on both sides of the border.

“Probably the most common concern is how we’re going to keep it out of North America and always good to hear that we’re on the same page,” he said. “It’s not a case of we’re isolationists and thinking of ourselves, keeping it out of our own country, we want to keep it out of the North American continent. Both countries realize how devastating it would be.”

The biggest concern for hog producers in North America is how widespread ASF is in China and of course, the potential of it entering Canada and the US.

“Our theory is it would most likely come in on feed, and we’re trying to come up with ways to reduce imports. The general feeling is we have our feed requirements in North America,” said Matheson. “If we can at all help it, let’s restrict feed imports from China until they clear up this disease. Both countries are on the same page in regards to how we might approach government officials to restrict feed imports from China.”

While China and keeping their feed out, for the time being, is an issue, trade issues and the replacement of NAFTA with the USMCA trade agreement also received extensive discussion. Every producer understands the fact that the for hog producers to do well in Canada the hog producer in the US must also do well and U.S. have access to the same free trade relations that Canadian producers do. Both countries are happy that they replaced NAFTA with something like USMCA, a trade agreement that would eliminate trade tariffs.

“Tariffs are not fully removed yet between Mexico and the U.S., but they’re heading in that direction, so we’re looking forward to that happening,” he said. “It’s not a case that we compete with each other. You know, we’re part of Trans-Pacific Partnership, the U.S. is not right now. For Canadian producers, it would be a good thing for America to be part of that trade agreement. We’re on the same page. We wanted to have the same agreement. We’re both free traders. We realize that we’re in a great industry that would benefit from free trade for all.”

Matheson said relations are excellent between producer groups on both sides of the border.

“In two weeks, we’ll be going down to Minnesota’s pork congress. In April, they come to our AGM. I have never, in my four years as chair, had any disagreements at any level with American pork producers, and that’s why it’s good to do this at least once a year, to maintain our strong ties, and make sure we’re on the same page,” he said. “We will continue to do this annually to meet with them, put a face to the industry, and discuss issues.” •

— By Harry Siemens