Certification program aims to produce ractopamine-free pork Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by SUSAN MANNThe Canadian pork industry has developed a ractopamine-free pork certification program to provide export markets assurances the pork they’re importing from Canada is raised without the feed additive.The program is available now and includes requirements for pork producers, feed manufacturers, transporters, slaughterhouses, processors and storage facilities.Russian authorities told its meat supplying countries, including Canada, the United States and Brazil, that as of Dec. 7, 2012 it would not allow ractopamine residues in meat imported into the country and into the other two countries it has a trading block with – Belarus and Kazakhstan. “Russian officials have indicated that along with a veterinary certificate, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency must attach an official guarantee to each shipment that ractopamine has not been used at any stage of production in the feed of the animals from which the meat is derived,” Ontario Pork says in its May 14 daily news brief on its website.Ontario Pork spokesman Keith Robbins says they sent out a package to farmers outlining what forms must be completed along with background information about the new program. In a May 7 letter to producers on Canadian Pork Council letterhead, farmers were told they must obtain assurances from feed suppliers and incoming animal suppliers that the pigs’ feed and feed ingredients do not contain ractopamine and have been processed and handled to avoid contamination. Incoming animals must also not have been fed ractopamine-containing feed.To be eligible for shipping pigs under the program, a barn must undergo an enrollment assessment that includes a review and confirmation of supporting documents and records. The enrollment assessment report is forwarded to the producer’s slaughterhouse and Ontario Pork. Barns using ractopamine during the past 12 months will have to do carcass tests. An ongoing program assessment checklist must be completed each year by the Canadian quality assurance (CQA) program validators and submitted to the CQA provincial coordinator.The program, developed by the CFIA, Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Pork Council, Canada Pork International and the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, is in place so Canadian processors can continue shipping product to Russia.As for how many farmers may be using the program, Canadian Pork Council spokesman Gary Stordy says “that’s a discussion between the farmers and their processors where they ship the animals to. We understand that not all plants are taking up this program.”Stordy says the pork council isn’t necessarily endorsing or supporting the implementation of the program “unless there’s a discussion between the producer and the processor.” BF Ontario Pork board plans meetings with farmers before releasing its position on a mandatory sow stall ban Canadian Retail Council jumps the gun on sow stalls says CPC official
Gearing up for Parliament’s return Friday, September 12, 2025 With Parliament scheduled to resume on Monday, Sept. 15, Farms.com spoke with Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, about current issues affecting ag and how those could translate into the House of Commons. Overall, McCann expects the fall session to... Read this article online
Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report 2023 Thursday, September 11, 2025 The 2023 Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report was recently released by Animal Health Canada, providing a clear picture of how provinces and territories are tackling the spread of invasive wild pigs. This first-of-its-kind national collaboration shares location data, control activities, and... Read this article online
Princess Auto Plans New Guelph Store Thursday, September 11, 2025 Princess Auto is expanding its Ontario presence with a brand-new store planned for Guelph. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026, this 30,000-square-foot location will bring a full selection of tools, equipment, and farm supplies closer to customers in southwestern Ontario. Built... Read this article online
CGC issues three licenses in early September Thursday, September 11, 2025 The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has issued three licenses to grain companies in the first half of the month. On Sept. 1, Western Harvest Bean ULC in Morden, Man., received a grain dealer license. This type of license is for “a person who, for reward, on his own behalf or the behalf... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online