Our November Issue

THE BEEF, PORK & POULTRY INDUSTRY DIGITAL MAGAZINE

November 2021

Q&A WITH TURKEY FARMERS OF CANADA’S DARREN FERENCE Protecting Ontario’s Pork Sector NAMI: COVID Protections Kept Case Rates 98% Lower Trade Report Shows Strong Agriculture and Food Exports in 2020 A New Twist on an Old Craft Regulatory Reform Among Top Priorities for Government Action

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Canadian Beef Industry Joins Global Pledge to Reduce Methane Emissions Q&A with Turkey Farmers of Canada’s Darren Ference Protecting Ontario’s Pork Sector

The Beef Industry's Contributions to the Canadian Economy

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NAMI: COVID Protections Kept Case Rates 98% Lower Trade Report Shows Strong Agriculture and Food Exports in 2020

A New Twist on an Old Craft

Regulatory Reform Among Top Priorities for Government Action

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THE BEEF, PORK & POULTRY INDUSTRY DIGITAL MAGAZINE

November 2021 Volume 21 Number 11 PUBLISHER Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusiness.ca MANAGING EDITOR Scott Taylor publishing@meatbusiness.ca DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Cam Patterson cam@meatbusiness.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cam Patterson, Scott Taylor, Virginia Labbie, Jack Roberts CREATIVE DIRECTOR Patrick Cairns

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CANADIAN BEEF INDUSTRY JOINS GLOBAL PLEDGE TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS On October 11, 2021, the Government of Canada confirmed its support for the Global Methane Pledge. Canada joined the United States and the European Union, who on September 17, 2021, had launched the global pledge to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030 and implementation of related domestic actions.

The Canadian beef industry continues to be a global leader in sustainable beef production. Beef farmers and ranchers manage lands that store an impressive 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon, and the Canadian beef industry has half the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint per kilogram of production when compared to the global average. However, the industry is driving forward with further reductions as outlined in a multi-stakeholder strategy that includes goals and action plans to; • Reduce primary production GHG emission intensity by 33% by 2030 • Sequester an additional 3.4 million tonnes of carbon every year • Safeguard the existing 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon stored on lands managed with beef cattle • Reduce food loss and waste (from secondary processing to consumer) by 50% by 2030 Key to achieving these goals is investment in research and extension for the application of the research on farm.

“We were pleased to see the Government’s commitment to supporting Canadian farmers, ranchers and industry partners as we drive towards the implementation of climate change solutions,” said Bob Lowe, President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “We need to increase our investments in research and the adoption of research to achieve our shared goals.”

The industry plans to reduce methane emissions through improvements in genetics, forage and feed production and management, and animal health amongst others. Researchers are particularly interested in feed additives, which have shown great potential for methane reductions from cattle in the range of 20% to 70% reductions. As the Government moves forward with its goals, environmental partners, such as the Canadian beef industry, should be included in the policy and investment development.

The Canadian beef industry is also globally engaged through initiatives such as the Global Agenda Towards Sustainable Livestock and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Global increases in agriculture research and extension will have rippling positive implications for methane reductions as well as the health and livelihoods of agriculture producers and rural communities worldwide.

Learn more at beefresearch.ca

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Q&A WITH TURKEY FARMERS OF CANADA’S DARREN FERENCE By Cam Patterson This is not the first time that Meat Business Pro has shone a spotlight on the Turkey Farmers of Canada’s (TFC) charitable initiatives before the COVID-19 pandemic. During a Q&A last August with TFC’s Rachel Brown, we spoke at length about the Wishbone Project - an idea conjured up by marketing company, Zeno Group, while working with TFC on the Think Turkey campaign.

On this occasion, we spoke directly to Turkey Farmers of Canada Chair, Darren Ference. Having grown up on a farm in east central Alberta he remains in the industry, working his poultry farm in Gibbon’s, Alberta since 2001. In 2009 he joined the Alberta Turkey Producers board to eventually become chair and past chair after serving for nine years. He has been the Alberta member on the Turkey Farmers of Canada board for seven years and as Chair for the last three years.

Charitable contributions were always the mission of TFC but the pandemic demanded a more robust response.

Rachel highlighted the Wishbone project and TFC’s donating surplus turkey stock to food banks across the country. Charitable efforts did not stop there. Kid’s Help Phone, a program that saw a 300% spike in calls as a direct result of pandemic related anxiety among kids also was top on Turkey Farmers of Canada’s mandates and they jumped into action just as they did for the Wishbone project.

And now a year later, at yet another crucial time for regions reeling from a 4th COVID wave and pandemic hardships that continue to burden communities - the farming industry in particular - Turkey Farmers of Canada has yet again stepped up.

MBP: Tell me how the Wishbone project came to be.

How has it grown since the inception and what is your gauge of the impact it has had?

DF: The Wishbone Project launched in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for Canada’s turkey farmers and processors to give back and help those in need. Since our first donation to Kids Help Phone in the spring of 2020, we have contributed to numerous food banks and charitable organizations across the country, either through food or funds. It’s our goal to help communities in need or at risk, and certainly hope our contributions have been able to help at the local, provincial and national level.

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DF: To name just a few: Turkey Farmers of Ontario partnered with Feed Ontario and Butterball to reward those who participated in their turkey match program.

Sofina Foods lent a hand to various charities, food banks and outreach programs throughout Canada by donating turkeys. Turkey Farmers of Manitoba partnered with Exceldor Cooperative to donate turkeys to be used for Thanksgiving to-go dinners. Turkey Farmers of Nova Scotia donated turkeys to the Orchard Valley United Church Men’s Group for their Thanksgiving take-out turkey dinner.

MBP: How did the relationship between Food Banks Canada (FBC) and TFC come about?

DF: TFC has a long-standing relationship with Food Banks Canada dating back to 2009. TFC originally partnered with FBC to draw attention to what was then known as Hunger Awareness Week.

MBP: The network to coordinate this project is remarkable and ultimately requires a good deal of time and effort from TFC and the membership, especially during a 4th wave. Can you give us an insight into the team who pulled it off?

DF: It certainly was a turkey industry team effort from provincial boards, processors, farmers and our marketing agency, Zeno Group.

MBP: Do you see the value of such contributions postpandemic?

DF: Absolutely. While concerns regarding food insecurities were heightened during the pandemic, the need has not gone away, and we want to continue to do what we can to help put food on the table.

MBP: Over and above the work through the Wishbone project, what were some special contributions from processors and producers that stood out for you this Thanksgiving?

MBP: The turkey industry has had its share of hardships through the pandemic. How do you think the industry has fared so far, and what are some concerns going forward?

DF: Maintaining and redirecting the supply chain was a challenge because of fluctuations in consumer demands in direct response to the pandemic, combined with the closure of food service outlets. Implementing measures for human health was also paramount. The industry continues to adjust to the ever changing new “normal” while continuing to deliver safe, high quality turkey products to consumers.

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Turkey Farmers of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council - Turkey Primary Processing Sector Members, together launched Think TurkeyTM/PensezDindonMC - the first national, bilingual campaign to boost turkey consumption since 2004.

The five-year, fully integrated program, which includes advertising, digital, experiential, PR, influencer, paid social and more, focuses on engaging primary meal planners to raise awareness of the benefits of turkey, drive year-round demand and increase overall consumption and retail availability.

MBP: How would you summarize the outlook for the turkey farmers and processors in 2022?

For more information, visit https://www. turkeyfarmersofcanada.ca

DF: Cautious optimism for a growing market comes to mind.

MBP: Besides the charitable work through Wishbone, what other philanthropic organizations does TFC get behind?

DF: TFC has also supported Kids Help Phone as mentioned and 4H Canada and their Healthy Living Initiative in response to the critical needs of youth in rural communities in Canada. Young people living in rural and remote communities are at greater risk of experiencing struggles related to their mental and physical well-being and also lack the resources and services that might be available to those in more urban areas.

MBP: If there is anything else you’d like to highlight before we conclude?

DF: We’re on a mission to show Canadians how delicious, versatile, nutritious and relevant turkey is 365 days of the year.

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THE BEST DEFENSE IS A STRONG OFFENSE PROMOTING THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEAT AND POULTRY

By Ronnie P. Cons

Red meat is often wrongly portrayed as being unhealthy. Even chicken has been getting attacked by some in the media as unhealthy or not environmentally friendly.

Vegan, fish and other non-meat diets have been proposed as liver, 625 grams of cooked beef or an astounding 2.4 kg of spinach. healthier alternatives. The result of this onslaught of negative meat messages has influenced many families to cut back on Iron found in vegetables is harder to absorb than the iron their meat and poultry purchases. Perceptions may reality but found in meat as it is attached to fibre which inhibits its truth trumps misinformation. Parents and other consumers absorption.

NEW INVESTMENT WILL STRENGTHEN PREVENTION, PLANNING, want what is best for their health and that of their families.

PREPAREDNESS FOR AFRICAN FEVER Brain!

2. Eat MeatSWINE for a Healthier They are also aware that a lot of AND false information is out there and as such, are open to scientific facts that can correct their Being deficient in the micronutrients found in meat have been linked with low IQ, autism, depression and dementia says misconceptions.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing operations, support industry businesses, and protect Dr. Charlotte Neumann, a paediatrician at the University of nearly $3 million in three new initiatives as part of a the herds and livelihoods of Ontario pork producers.

This provides an opportunity for retail meat departments California, as quoted in the article ‘Brain food- clever eating’. to implementeffort an instore ‘Healthy biosecurity Meat Facts’ nutritional coordinated to enhance and support Zinc is crucial for learning and memory. Vitamin B12 campaign to set the sector’s record straight and convince the provincial pork African swine fevertheir (ASF) “We know how hard Ontario pork producers work preserves the sheaths that protect nerves. customers that meat and poultry are actually good for one’s prevention and emergency preparedness efforts. to keep such high standards for safety” said the health and that they should increase rather than decrease 3. Boost Your Immunity with Meat!

Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of their purchases of it. The campaign outlined below can have Due to its antioxidant powers, zinc is involved in creating African swine fever is a viral disease that affects pigs.

It Agriculture and "Inthat theincrease wake ofour growing a direct impact on sales: antibodies to fightAgri-Food. free radicals risk for isStart not by a threat to food safety or human health, but could concerns since African swine fever has been detected in chronic diseases. displaying instore posters promoting the nutritional potentially disrupt chain. largethe Caribbean, this funding will support new measures value of meat.

They Ontario’s should be supply innovative, eyeMany catching and 4. Power Your Muscle Growth with Meat! scale pork producers have strict biosecurity measures that protectinthe prosperity and of tissues. the entire be designed to specifically contradict any meat myths. The The protein meat helps build andresiliency repair body comments should all be literature based quoting research already in place, and this investment will provide sector."

Muscles are made of protein. That is why athletes who are papers or MDs for maximum effect. posters should additional support throughout theVarious pork value chain building muscle strength increase their meat consumption. made - each with a brief but powerful message covering tobeproactively enhance the sector’s biosecurity and “Our role inand government react toforwhat The protein zinc found is in not meatjust areto important muscle one theme. preparedness. This coordinated effort aims to minimize happens in repair.

Ontario but to also be proactive to help growth and Posters can convey the following meat fact the risk of introduction of ASF inhealthy the province and in mitigate our agri-food sector and our food 5. Meat isrisks the to Complete Protein! messages: Canada and mitigate the risks it poses to the industry. supply,” said Lisa Minister of Agriculture, Meat contains all ofThompson, the nine essential amino acids that your 1. Let’s IRON out the Truth on Meat! body and cannot make by itself.

Sayrecent ‘hello’ detection to histidine,ofleucine, Food Rural Affairs.

“The African “You would need to eat a massive amount of spinach to isoleucine, lycine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, Starting November 5, 2021, a new targeted intake swine fever in the Caribbean and the devastating equal (the iron content) in a steak,” says Christopher Golden, threonine, and valine. That is why meat is called a complete under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the impacts it has had in Europe and Asia is a good an ecologist and epidemiologist at Harvard University in protein.

Partnership) will provide funding to Ontario pork reminder to tighten protections all along the pork Cambridge, Massachusetts. (As quoted by nature.com in the 6.

Eat Meat forchain a Healthy Heart! producers, processors and other agri-businesses to industry value to try to prevent the introduction article ‘Brain food- clever eating’.)

Meat contains lots of the B vitamins needed for the support their training, education and planning, as of the disease which would lead to significant market For a woman to receive her recommended daily intake of 18 production of hormones, red blood cells and for the proper well asiron, for supply andneed infrastructure investments trade disruptions.” mg of she would just 300 grams of cookedand bovine and functioning of your nervous system.

PROTECTING ONTARIO’S PORK SECTOR

modifications needed to strengthen swine-related

Say ‘hello’ to niacin, folic acid, thiamine, biotin, panthothenic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. They are all found in meat.

The line that ‘the best defense is a good offense’ does not only apply to sports. It also applies to countering negative meat health myths. Implementing an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional campaign to set the record straight on meat and poultry. It is a good way to go on the offensive by using education your customers and increasing your sales..

Ronnie P. Cons is CEO of C&C Packing Inc., a leading Canadian distributor of meat and poultry. He can be reached at RCons@CCpacking.com.

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to prevent wild pigs from establishing in our province.

This includes detection and removal efforts, as well as regulating wild pigs under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 as they pose a greater risk of transmitting ASF if they escape in the wild.

NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON “Our government is taking action to phase out the CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW production of Eurasian wild boar,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and “Preventing the spread of new WEBSITE FOR SERVICES INForestry.

CANADA invasive species such as wild pigs is another critical The Global intake for Ontario’s porkorganization industry and related public health showcases businesses will provide cost-share funding for eligible food industry expenses that will support biosecurity improvements NSF International in Canada recently launched a new andwebsite emergency preparedness planning for the sector.

- www.nsfcanada.ca - to give Canada’s growing Costs will be eligible today, October 19,access 2021. and complex food starting and beverage industry easy Thistointake provides higher cost share at 50 per cent the global public health organization’s expertise and thanservices other intakes under Partnership 35 per cent in Canada.

Thethe website combinesatinformation on the depth, experience and capabilities of the because of the critical and urgent nature of thisNSF work.

International Canadian with access to NSF Additionally, funding will office be allocated under the International’s global services dedicated to food safety Partnership for an education outreach and awareness and quality. campaign for “small holder” farms, or farms that Evolving regulations across and per increasing market fewer than 1,000 hogscountries or 50 sows year. The complexities associated with a globalized food supply campaign will focus on increasing small hog producers’ network present challenges for NSF International clients in awareness the risks the of ASF and the need for strong Canada of and around world.

The new Canadian website biosecurity and emergency preparedness measures. offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing,

step to safeguard the swine industry from the ASF, services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing and protect the broader health of our communities, economy and natural environment.” accredited International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, Tofood assist EWBand farmers encourage faster transition, safety quality,and GFSI benchmarked standards, producers who agree to stop raising them within six regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, months will be eligible for funding to shift to other food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities include eLearning, on-site, customized and open forms of production such as heritage breeds ofenrolment. swine,

other livestock crop production.

Additionally, theorwebsite includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, The three initiatives announced today support the aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario Ontario government’s priorities to make Ontario’s drinking water programs.

agriculture and agri-food sector more competitive, Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food and to support farmers and producers from risks that safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn are beyond their control through prevention and about upcoming events and global news releases, a question YesGroup_CanadianMeatBusiness-Qtr-pg.pdf 1 submit 2014-05-16 1:20:17 PMor read an FAQ. preparedness.

consulting, technical services, training and education, Targeted financial support will also be provided to help food and label compliance, packaging, and product and the province’s producers of Eurasian wild boar (EWB) process development. transition out of the production of these animals. Farm NSF International’s Canadian website the provides information escapes of Eurasian wild boar amplify population on the following services: of wild pigs, which have already caused widespread Certification & auditing: Third-party problems in Canada’s prairie provincesfood andsafety manyaudits and certifications, which are pigs integral of and American states – these wild cancomponents damage crops supplier selection and regulatory compliance.

Accurate the natural environment and could transmit ASF to pork audits are the first step toward successful verification operations in Ontario. of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management system registration.

Consulting: A full-service team approach providing technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range of food safety and quality services. NSF International provides finished product inspection testing for food, packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and insight to protect the brand, technical support services from on-site temporary or permanent technical staffing placements, and various types of consulting.

Technical services: A one-stop solution for food product compliance and formulation, from concept to finished product, including food and label compliance, packaging, product and process development, and shelf-life and The product Ontarioevaluation. government is protecting the agricultural

sector and the environment taking Training andnatural education: Training forby the globalaction food and beverage industry across the supply chain as an meatbusiness.ca meatbusinesspro.com

September/October 20172021 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 11 23 November MEATBUSINESSPRO

QUICK FACTS • The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a fiveyear, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity. This commitment includes $2 billion for programs that are cost-shared by the federal and provincial and territorial governments, and are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

• Ontario has approximately 1,200 hog farms and accounts for 26 per cent of all hogs in Canada. The pork value chain generates almost $3 billion in gross domestic product annually in the province and employs over 55,000 people. One-third of the pork produced in Ontario is consumed in the province and the rest is exported.

• The intake for pork producers, processors and other agri-businesses to support biosecurity activities will open on November 5, 2021, however expenses incurred as of October 19, 2021 are eligible. Applicants can submit application forms on a first-come, first-served basis until December 3, 2021. Intake information will be posted soon. Applicants will be able to apply for reimbursement of 50 per cent of costs, up to a maximum of $40,000 per applicant.

• ASF is a severe, contagious, viral disease of swine that has been endemic in many African countries and since 2018, and is rapidly spreading globally, mostly in Asia and Europe. It only affects pigs and is not a threat to food safety or human health. ASF has not yet been detected in continental North America, but cases have been found in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

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• Under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, the import, possession, transport, propagation, lease, trade, buying and sale of Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids will be prohibited as of January 1, 2022. Controlling Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids is important for Ontario’s agricultural sector as they play a key role in the establishment and spread of wild pigs.

• More information about the intake for EWB producers to transition to other types of production will be made available on the Agricorp website in the coming weeks.

Program eligibility is limited to those participants who own EWB as of October 19, 2021. Eligible EWB producers will receive $200 per animal to eliminate their herd while also transitioning to other forms of production.

• These programs announced today by Ontario are being reviewed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to ensure consistency with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement between the federal and Ontario governments. Programs are subject to change pending full approval.

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THE BEEF INDUSTRY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CANADIAN ECONOMY The cattle and beef sectors are important drivers of economic activity in Canada.

However, that is not always apparent from looking at farm cash receipts alone.

Direct, indirect and induced impacts combined paint a clear picture of the significant positive impact the beef sector has on the greater Canadian economy.

For Canada in the 20182020 period, the cattle sector contributed $51.6 billion in goods and sales, contributed $21.8 billion to gross domestic product at market prices, including $11.7 billion in labour income, and is directly or indirectly associated with creation of 347,352 full-time equivalent jobs (includes direct, indirect and induced impacts).

Information and graphic courtesy of Canadian Cattlemen's Association.

For more information, visit https://www.cattle.ca/

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NAMI: COVID PROTECTIONS KEPT CASE RATES 98% LOWER The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) recently released updated analysis of publicly available data on COVID-19 transmission, showing that comprehensive protections instituted since the spring of 2020 successfully lowered transmission among meatpacking workers and held case rates today to more than 98% lower than case rates in the general U.S. population.

Responding to a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts commented: “Frontline meat and poultry workers were among the first impacted by the pandemic, but publicly available data confirm that comprehensive measures implemented in the sector since spring 2020, including extensive infection prevention and vaccination efforts, have successfully protected the sector’s dedicated and diverse workforce as they have continued feeding Americans and keeping our economy working.”

According to publicly-available data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN) and the New York Times, average new case rates in the sector have been similar to or lower than case rates in the general population since the fall of 2020.

Case rates in the sector are currently 98% lower than the general U.S. population.

Independent scientific research proves the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention measures like those implemented in meatpacking facilities since spring 2020. The University of Nebraska Medical Center found that the combination of universal masking and physical barriers reduced cases significantly in 62% of meat facilities studied. An analysis published in the Lancet in June 2020 found that distancing of 3 feet and use of facemasks each reduce transmission by about 80%, and use of eye protection reduces transmission by about 65%.

Meat Institute surveys, shared in February 2021, of more than 250 facilities employing more than 150,000 workers have found broad implementation of multilayered COVID-19 protections including: • COVID-19 hazard assessments; designated COVID-19 coordinators • Entry screening measures and controls • Increased sanitation and disinfection practices • Training and education materials on COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, in multiple languages • Mandatory face coverings

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• Increased flexibility in leave policies

DF: I don’t think being on the island has really impacted us negatively one • Physical barriers in food production and way or the other. We’ve traveled a lot, other areas (e.g., break rooms, cafeterias) met a lot of other farmers and livestock producers in other parts of Canada, and Meat Institute members remain fully we all seem to have the same issues committed to continuing these proven and same concerns.

measuresCMB: and further supporting I understand that your efforts farm to vaccinate meatCanada and poultry was all thefrontline first in Atlantic to be workers quickly involvedand in thesafely.

TESA program.

DF: Yes, I think we were the first farm

The meateast andofpoultry among Ontario industry as far as I was understand. the first to the why Biden to I’murge not sure theAdministration eastern associations wouldn’t have previously prioritize vaccines for essential workers. The nominated anybodywith because are Meat Institute partnered the there United many farms here on PEI doing every Food Workers Union (UFCW) to urge all bit as much as we are as to attain a 50 state governors to prioritize meat and high level of sustainability. Anyway, poultry workers for the vaccine. we were very surprised when the PEI Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm.

CMB: And then you were attending the Canadian Beef conference in Calgary and you won.

DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it.

CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada Meat Institute members provided significant going forward?

support for vaccination efforts, holding DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot onsite clinics for vaccination, providing paid of good press highlighting the island leave for cattle workers to obtain the vaccine, industry.

I’m positive you’ll see offering vaccine bonuses, holding more farms in our neck of thevaccine woods lotteries with monetary prizes, nominated next year.

And providing I have to give the Canadian Association information sessions,Cattleman’s vaccinating family forand choosing farm from of membersrecognition of workers othera members Prince Edward Island.

We are small the community and much more. players in the national beef industry and I think it was a real credit to their One Meat Institute member, Tyson Foods, organization to recognize us. They announced recently 96% of its and it treated all thethat nominees royally employees are fully vaccinated, above was a real class act. It was well a wonderful the U.S. vaccination experience. rate.

More detailed information on COVID-19 protections and case rates in the industry is available here. meatbusiness.ca meatbusinesspro.com

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TRADE REPORT SHOWS STRONG AGRICULTURE AND FOOD EXPORTS IN 2020 Despite a global contraction in agriculture exports, 2020 was a relatively good year for Canadian agriculture and food exporters, according to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) latest trade report.

"Canada’s agriculture and food industry has shown resilience during these challenging times and has the potential to emerge from this pandemic even stronger, as our producers, agriculture manufacturers and food processors begin to recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC chief economist, in releasing this year’s trade report.

“That’s not to say there aren’t challenges on the road ahead,” he said. “The value of the Canadian dollar is always a big factor in determining our trade competitiveness and access to markets can sometimes be rocked by geopolitical tensions or supply chain disruptions, such as we’ve seen with the pandemic.”

The report shows Canada had the highest year-overyear increase for agriculture commodity exports at 13.8%, while all agriculture exporting countries combined saw commodity exports contract by 9%, largely due to the impact of pandemic throughout most of 2020. With 5.5% of the world’s total commodity exports, Canada was the world’s fifth-largest exporter, a position it has held since 2012. The U.S. continued as the world’s largest supplier of commodities, followed by Netherlands, China and Brazil.

Canada has not yet cracked the top 10 exporters of processed food products, but gained ground since 2011, moving from sixteenth to the eleventh largest food exporter. The United States has maintained its leading role since 2012, followed by Germany, Netherlands, France, Brazil, Italy, China, Belgium, Spain and Indonesia.

Compared to the significant global contraction in commodity exports, total food exports weren’t as badly hit by pandemic disruptions, declining only by 3.7%.

Nonetheless, growth in total food exports over the past 10 years has been much slower, with average annual growth of less than one per cent.

Meat is the largest category of Canadian food exports, accounting for an average of 13.4% of total food exports and one of the highest average annual growth rates across all sectors at 1.3% between 2011 and 2020.

Beverages was the second-largest category, totaling 12.2% of food exports over the same period at an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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“Currency values are an important determinant of Canada’s overall trade performance,” Gervais said. “But we can’t look at the value of the Canadian dollar in isolation since buyers look at the basket of exporters’ currencies in making import decisions. For example, beef and wheat Canadian exporters have seen a gain in the value of the loonie relative to other main exporting countries’ currency in the last two years, making Canadian exports less competitive, everything else being equal.”

Canada was able to grow its year-over-year share in global pork markets in 2020, thanks in part to a favourable exchange rate environment relative to our major competitors.

For agriculture commodities, Canada’s exporting success in 2020 came from oilseeds at 32.2% of total Canadian ag exports, while cereals comprised 28%.

Of all cereals, wheat was Canada’s largest export, accounting for 80.9% of total cereal exports last year.

Canada has counted among the top three wheat exporters in the world over the last 10 years.

This year’s FCC trade report focuses on the extent to which a simple comparison of the loonie relative to the U.S. dollar is an accurate assessment of our global trade competitiveness.

The Canadian dollar gained 1.4% against the U.S. dollar since the start of 2021, which is the best performance among G10 currencies, helped by higher commodity prices.

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Due to higher energy prices, the report projects the value of the Canadian dollar to stay slightly above its current value of US$0.80 for the remainder of 2021 and early 2022. Rising energy prices in Europe could also lead to a decline in the value of the Euro relative to the loonie in the next few months.

Gervais notes there are many factors at play that will determine Canada’s future export success, such as market access, economic health of key importers, weather disruptions or other challenges in global logistics or transportation.

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NEW SURREY SLAUGHTERHOUSE ‘WOULD OPEN DOOR’ TO NEW BEEF MARKETS

“Beyond currency values, world population growth, higher purchasing power in emerging markets and new trade agreements are also key factors in potentially creating more opportunities for Canada to increase Proposed 30,000-square-foot beef abattoir in Cloverdale would be B.C.’s largest such facility exports,” he said. “By tapping into our competitive

By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News advantages in natural resources, innovation and A federally licensed beef processing facility a stellar food safety reputation, Canada has an is in the works so as to not emit odours. And while there is an operational 6,000-square-foot abattoir on the property now, it’s can Surrey, BC. opportunity to infortify and strengthen its position as a only process a limited number of cattle.

“There’s a new building coming forward, a new abattoir, I major agriculture and food exporter.”

Chris Les is general manager of Meadow Valley Meats, think that’s the French pronunciation of slaughterhouse,”

the company behind the project. Meadow Valley Meats is said Councillor Mike Starchuk. “So Surrey will have a seeking a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license for newer facility with a better capacity so people will have By sharing economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC the proposed abattoir, to become a federally registered the ability to not have to ship an animal to Alberta to have provides solid insights and expertise to help those meat establishment and expand the operation. This would it processed. The applications have gone through the in the business Agricultural of agriculture and food achieve allow the meat products to be transported beyond B.C.’s and Food Sustainability Advisorytheir Committee.” boundaries. goals. For moreThe information and on insights tradewithin andthe facility is proposed a 25-acreon property “Our focus is on trying to bring a more efficient, sustainable Agricultural Land Reserve at 5175 184th St. The planned its impact on Canadian agriculture, visit the fcc.ca/ local product to the market, realizing we can do that now 30,000-square foot abattoir in Cloverdale would process up Economics. in a very limited sense,” said Les. “I caution people when to 100 head of cattle per day.

According to a city report, that would make it larger than

other processing facilityand in B.C..

But itlender, would still be FCC is Canada’sany leading agriculture food small by industry standards, compared to the largest meat with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $41 billion. processing plants in Alberta that process 3,000 heads of For more information, visit fcc.ca. cattle per day.

The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed

talking to them and they say, ‘What a big plant, that’s going to go allow you to go mainstream.’ Well, yes, if you look in the context of B.C., but this is still a very niche plant and we’ll serve a niche industry for producers and for the market. It’s certainly not going to be a monstrosity of a plant but it’ll be a big upgrade from the site currently.”

Continued on page 32

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A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD CRAFT Some sausage makers are adding a new twist to their craft by abandoning the preservatives.

Twisting a long tube of meat, vegetables and spices to make individual sausages is still fundamental to the art of sausage-making, but many processors of this traditional food are now abandoning the preservatives for more healthy alternatives.

“Salt and preservatives in sausages are not an obligation,” says Bryce Patriquin, co-owner of The Sausage Guys (Les Gars de Saucisse), in Richmond, in the Eastern Townships, in Quebec.

“Our sausages are frozen as soon as they are made, so we don't have to stuff them with preservatives,” Patriquin says. “No need to boil, pierce or thaw them before cooking. Place them directly on the grill, in the pan or in the oven on parchment paper.”

have less salt and fat, adding to the appeal of healthconscious consumers who may not have previously considered sausage for their shopping lists.

“We only use quality products and no preservatives,” says Patriquin. “You can taste quality, that's what our customers tell us.” The “Guys” also produce two vegan sausages made from vegetables, quinoa and legumes, which taste good without trying to imitate meat.

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), a growing number of Americans, especially the elderly, are turning to healthier sausage options including chicken and turkey sausages as poultry does not contain trans-fat. Also, more and more consumers are demanding organic hot dogs and sausages or products that are low in fat or sugar and even products containing meat alternatives (vegetarian and vegan).

While the Sausage Guys have perfected tasty convenience without sacrificing nutrition, when sausage was invented 4,000 or 5,000 years ago, the preservatives were necessary. Back then using preservatives allowed the meat to be easily transported, which made good economic sense for butchers and also made it convenient for consumers.

Patriquin has always worked in the sausage industry. He learned everything he knows about the art of making sausages from his Austrian-born grandfather. In 2002, he opened a butcher's shop with his wife, Roxanne Labonté, the other "guy" behind the sausages, and the one who takes care of the finances.

Along with skipping the preservatives, all of The Sausage Guys products are gluten and nitrite free and

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAUSAGES: • An estimated $733M in sausage sales over the past 12 months in Canadian grocery stores. The majority being exact weight packaged sausages.

NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH5.9% NEW • Sausage makes up approximately of grocery meat sales.

WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA Global public health organization showcases food industry BeefNSF andInternational pork are always sought-after meats bya sausage in Canada recently launched new lovers and The Sausage Guys have just Canada’s added two website - www.nsfcanada.ca - to give growing newand beef-based sausages in collaboration withaccess Boeuf complex food and beverage industry easy to the global public health organization’s expertise and Québec. services in Canada. The website combines information the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF The on pandemic has opened up opportunities for International Canadian office with access to NSF Canadian sausage makers with new demand for local, International’s global services dedicated to food safety convenient and healthy foods. The BBQ craze has also and quality.

increased since the start of the pandemic.

Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply According a Canadian survey by clients in networktopresent challenges for conducted NSF International FarmCanada Creditand Canada in the January when asked website around world.2021, The new Canadian offers expertise andchanged services to helpthe companies if their behaviour has since start ofnavigate these challenges, including and auditing, the pandemic, 58% said they certification are more likely to buy consulting, technical services, training and education, Canadian made or grown food, 56% are more likely to food and label compliance, packaging, and product and lookprocess for Canadian made or grown food when they buy development.

• Average selling price of $11.39/kg. Beyond meat is services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing ~$21.18/kg.

• The months of May-Aug are the big season, accredited International Association for selling Continuing sales duringand those four (IACET) monthssite. cover 43.5% of annual Education Training Topics include HACCP, sales. food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, food microbiology and ISO standards.

Training modalities • Canada is a net importer of sausages.

Canadian include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment.

exports have picked up since 2018, but imports remain Additionally, the source website of includes information about the number one sausage consumption.

management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, • The word "sausage" was first used in English in the aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario mid-15th century, spelled "sawsyge". This word came drinking water programs.

from old French saussiche (modern French saucisse).

Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food The French came from (sausage) safety servicesword capabilities video, find alatin list of salsiccia Canadian food experts, learn about upcoming events and global news releases, submit a question and from salsicus (seasoned with salt).

YesGroup_CanadianMeatBusiness-Qtr-pg.pdf 1 2014-05-16 1:20:17 PMor read an FAQ.

groceries and 50% are more likely to think about how International’s Canadian website provides information theirNSF food is grown or processed. on the following services:

Certification auditing:even Third-party foodOur safety audits “Everyone loves & sausages, children. sales have and certifications, which are integral components of increased by five times since 2015, we have the wind in supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate our audits sails,” are saysthe Patriquin. first step toward successful verification of a company’s food safety system, providing improved

The brand Sausage Guys have global food safety and glutenprotection and customer confidence.

Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the free certifications that will soon allow them to export agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management their products. The Quebec company chose Windsor system registration. for the construction of a new plant. The project, which Consulting: A full-service providing represents an investment ofteam $3.8approach million, will increase technical resources, expertise and insight for a widehiring range its current production capacity by 10 times, while of food safety and quality services. NSF International four new employees and preserving its factory and sales provides finished product inspection testing for food, outlet located in Richmond. The new plant will be in packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and operation spring the 2022. insight by to protect brand, technical support services from on-site temporary or permanent technical staffing

placements, andend; various of consulting.

Everything has an onlytypes a sausage has two ends, say the Germans.

“It means that everything will come Technical services: A one-stop solution for food product to end, but theand sausage never from will,”concept says Patriquin with compliance formulation, to finished product, including food and label compliance, packaging, passion. product and process development, and shelf-life and product evaluation.

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“Long live the sausages!”

Training and education: Training for the global food

and beverage industry across the supply chain as an meatbusiness.ca

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REGULATORY REFORM AMONG TOP PRIORITIES FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION Federal Agriculture Minister must work closely with cabinet colleagues on regulations impacting agriculture The new federal government cabinet was recently announced. Unsurprisingly, the agricultural community was watching closely and keenly interested in the new appointments. Marie-Claude Bibeau was reappointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, which will bring continuity to that portfolio. However, other appointments to prominent cabinet roles are very important to agriculture and will also have a big impact at the farm gate.

One of the first orders of business for Minister Bibeau is the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers meeting this month to discuss the next Agricultural Policy Framework. CFIB has been surveying its farm members about their views on this next policy framework and looks forward to sharing this data with all FPT Agriculture Ministers as part of the consultations in the weeks ahead.

Now, more than ever, industry and government must work together to drive growth and innovation in the agriculture sector. According to the Report of Canada's Economic Strategy Tables: Agri-food, targets for the agri-food sector include $85 billion in exports and $140 billion in domestic sales by 2025.

If we are to achieve these goals, we must first address several concerns in the sector. To help understand what FPT governments should focus on, farmers were asked which government actions should be prioritized in the next Agricultural Policy Framework to help their business succeed. Preliminary results from CFIB’s current survey indicate the following: • Reducing the total tax burden for agri-businesses (70%).

• Increasing focus on regulatory reform by reducing the burden of government regulation and red tape (67%).

• Implementing policies to address labour shortages (such as improving access to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, encouraging more Canadians to work in the agri-food industry, etc.) (64%).

• Increasing processing capacity and value-added opportunities (such as food/meat processing, biofuel, ethanol, etc.) (51%).

• Improving access to reliable broadband internet in rural Canada (43%).

• Designing more effective business risk management programs (such as AgriStability, etc.) (42%).

A strong majority of CFIB’s farm members say that governments should focus on reducing the total tax

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burden and reducing the burden of government regulation and red tape. Rising carbon taxes and uncertainty around the Clean Fuel Standard and new environmental proposals (e.g., fertilizer emissions reduction targets) are contributing to this burden and are discouraging agri-businesses.

CFIB research indicates 87 per cent of agri-business owners question whether their children should take over the business or start their own, given the current burden of red tape and regulation. Think about that for a minute- almost 9-in-10 agri-business owners are uncertain that their children should take over the family farm! This should concern every policymaker but it should also concern everyday Canadians. The pandemic made it abundantly clear how important our domestic food supply is for Canada.

Agriculture is already a leader in carbon sequestration and has already implemented many solutions to climate change but farmers are worried about what else is coming down the pipe for their agri-business. This is understandable given the federal policy focus on climate change, the recent appointment of Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as commitments made by the Government of Canada at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26.

Throw in rising input and fertilizer costs, rising energy costs, a shortage of labour, and supply chain challenges; it is easy to see that agriculture cannot bear any more costs from additional regulations and taxation. meatbusinesspro.com

CFIB will be providing a more comprehensive list of recommendations in our submission and participation in the next Policy Framework consultation. In the meantime, we encourage Minister Bibeau to work collaboratively with all her cabinet colleagues including the Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to ensure agriculture and food production is a top priority for the federal government and that new environmental policies and regulations do not negatively impact farmers.

Federal and provincial governments need to focus on policies that fuel, rather than dampen, optimism and growth in the agriculture sector. Protecting our food supply and encouraging growth in the agri-food industry must be a priority in the years ahead.

Share your feedback!

Share your feedback with CFIB on what priorities federal and provincial governments should focus on for your agri-business! Contact our Business Help Line at cfib@cfib.ca or call 1-888-234-2232.

Not a member? JOIN CFIB today for more help and information.

Virginia Labbie is the Senior Policy Analyst, Agri-business for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 95,000 members (6,000 agribusiness members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.

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