"Canadian hog producers continue to battle an unprecedented period of losses on their farms. The Cull Breeding Swine Program was a response to a very difficult situation facing hog producers and while the crisis was set in motion by rapidly rising exchange rates and high feed costs, these variables have moderated. Unfortunately, they have been replaced with the global economic crisis resulting in reduced access to credit and the United States' introduction of mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL)," stated CPC's Chair, Jurgen Preugschas. "The announcement to extend the time period covered by the program is welcomed by producers who made the tough business decision to reduce their herds before this program started."

The CPC is pleased that the Minister acted on the information received from producers to improve the program. Jurgen Preugschas added, "We are looking forward to working with the Minister as the industry continues to deal with the uncertainty in the implementation of COOL".

The Canadian Pork Council is working with the Government of Canada to finalize the funding agreement. The final details regarding program eligibility, application requirements, and claim forms will be available through CPC's provincial member organizations and CPC's web site once the agreement is finalized.

Producers are encouraged to prepare documentation in advance by gathering shipping manifest and receipts for eligible breeding swine for the period of 1 August to 31 October 2007.

The extended time period covered by the Cull Breeding Swine Program is expected to have the same requirements as the initial program. The extended requirements may include.