The Honourable Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has concluded a ministerial review of an Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal ruling from February 2010 regarding pork marketing.

The Minister's decision states:

• Producers can choose to sell their hogs directly to buyers or through an intermediary, such as the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board, that will still offer marketing services to producers and processors.
• Requires the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission to work with the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board to consult with the sector on implementation.
• Confirms the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board powers to collect and share price data as well as extend the power to collect fees on all classes of hogs.
• This minister's decision was made after receiving more than 40 submissions from producers, processors and other interested stakeholders. The Minister's review was conducted in accordance with subsection 18(1) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act, 1990.

The Minister commented: "This decision is about providing Ontario's hard-working farmers with a clear, predictable, and stable means to market their hogs. By creating an environment in which farmers can succeed we are creating opportunities and building a strong future for Ontario's agri-food industry."