Commission Makes Decision on Future of Pork Board

October 6, 2008

GUELPH - The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission has rendered its decision following a hearing into the appropriate role of Ontario Pork.

The decision is as follows:

• 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.

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."

More information and the decision document are available at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/farmproducts/index.html

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