Ontario Pork Responds to OFPMC's Decision

ONTARIO - The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC) has set down the future role for Ontario Pork following a hearing into the organisation's position on Monday.
calendar icon 8 October 2008
clock icon 3 minute read

The decision is:

  • Ontario Pork will represent, and collect license fees from producers of all classes of pigs, including weaners and breeding stock.
  • Ontario Pork will no longer be the sole authority for marketing pigs in the province, but will market pigs for producers on a fee-for-service basis.
  • Ontario Pork will continue its role in addressing pork industry issues.
  • The board is to come back to the commission with a new structure and governance model by December 1, 2008.

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"This decision is consistent with our strategic direction. It permits producers the flexibility to make their own choices, while still retaining Ontario Pork’s marketing arm."
Curtiss Littlejohn, Chair of Ontario Pork

In January, 2008 a group of pork producers and pork industry stakeholders requested a hearing under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act. The four-day hearing held in Guelph in July, 2008 was well-attended, with six parties presenting evidence and 18 intervenors providing written and oral submissions.

"We believe we have made a balanced decision that provides flexible marketing options for Ontario pork producers," said acting Commission Chair Elmer Buchanan. "At the same time, we have brought fairness to all producers who benefit from the hard work the board does on their behalf, and we encourage the board to focus its efforts on the future stability and competitiveness of the sector."

Ontario Pork's Response

“This decision is consistent with our strategic direction” said Curtiss Littlejohn, Chair of Ontario Pork. “It permits producers the flexibility to make their own choices, while still retaining Ontario Pork’s marketing arm.”

Ontario Pork is satisfied with the process undertaken by the Commission. It will soon commence the task of examining the Commission’s document in greater detail and meeting with the OFPMC again later this week for further clarification. Ontario Pork agrees with the commission that a transition period will be necessary.

Producers are to be constantly updated as information becomes available.

Further Reading

- You can find out more information and view the decision document by clicking here.
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