Our July/August issue

July/August 2019

Minister Confident Chinese Meat Ban Issue Will Be Resolved

“EVERYONE AT THE TABLE” RISING FOOD PRICES WORRY 90% OF CANADIANS LMI STUDY REVEALS SERIOUS WORKFORCE GAP FOR INDUSTRY BUSINESS TIPS FOR ASPIRING LIVESTOCK FARMERS

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“Everyone at the Table!”

Minister Confident Chinese Meat Ban Issue Will be Resolved

by Scott Taylor

Central Products & Foods Ltd.: Built of Tradition

by Cam Patterson

KFC Canada partners with Chicken Farmers of Canada I’ve got a Beef

by Kate Jackman-Atkinson

McDonald’s gains market share by switch to fresh beef Rising Food Prices Worry 90% of Canadians as Federal Election Nears

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LMI Study Reveals Serious Workforce Gap for Industry Business tips for aspiring livestock

By Matt McIntosh, Farm Credit Canada

African swine fever in Asia largest animal disease outbreak in history

by Hau Dinh and Sam

Find the Right Conveyor Belt on Ashworth’s New Website Investing to Attract Youth in Agriculture Agri-businesses are facing a labour shortage

by Marilyn Braun-Pollon

Douglas Machines Corp. Names New President/CEO

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“EVERYONE AT THE TABLE!” Government announces first-ever Food Policy for Canada July/August 2019 Volume 19 Number 4

PUBLISHER Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusiness.ca MANAGING EDITOR Scott Taylor publishing@meatbusiness.ca DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Cam Patterson cam@meatbusiness.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kate Jackman-Atkinson, Hau Dinh and Sam McNeil, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Matt McIntosh

Canadian foods are recognized worldwide for the highest standards of quality and food safety. Responsible for one in eight jobs across the country, our food sector is a powerhouse of the economy, particularly in our rural communities. However, more needs to be done to improve our food system. For example, too many Canadians aren’t able to reliably access enough healthy food. Too many children are learning on empty stomachs. And we waste more than 11 million metric tons of food every year, worth nearly $50 billion.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, along with Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, and stakeholders from across the food system to launch Canada’s first-ever federal Food Policy.

The Food Policy for Canada is an important initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including food producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Patrick Cairns Canadian Meat Business is published six times a year by We Communications West Inc.

“The Food Policy for Canada is our roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system for our country. The investments and initiatives in the food policy will contribute to economic growth, better nutrition and food security for all Canadians,” stated Minister Bibeau.

The vision for the Food Policy for Canada developed through these consultations is: All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.

To realize this vision, the Government of Canada is investing $134 million through Budget 2019, which includes new initiatives to help achieve key objectives.

We Communications West Inc. 106-530 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3N 1Z4 Phone: 204.985.9502 Fax: 204.582.9800 Toll Free: 1.800.344.7055 E-mail: publishing@meatbusiness.ca Website: www.meatbusiness.ca Canadian Meat Business subscriptions are available for $28.00/year or $46.00/two years and includes the annual Buyers Guide issue.

A central piece of the Food Policy for Canada announced is the creation of a Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council. The Council will bring together the expertise and diversity needed beyond government to address the challenges of today, as well as the future of Canada’s food system.

Also announced is the launch of a five-year, $50 million Local Food Infrastructure Fund, designed to support community-led projects that improve access to safe, healthy and culturally diverse food. Starting August 15, 2019, eligible organizations will be invited to submit an application through the first intake period for nonrepayable funding of up to $25,000.

©2018 We Communications West Inc. All rights reserved.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part, without prior written consent from the publisher.

Printed in Canada. ISSN 1715-6726

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FOOD POLICY OF CANADA INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

• a new Canada Brand and Buy Canadian promotional campaigns that will aim to increase pride and consumer confidence in Canadian food;

• support for community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training that address food challenges and food insecurity in Northern and isolated communities;

• a challenge fund to support the most innovative food waste reduction ideas in food processing, grocery retail, and food service;

• new funds to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency crack down on food fraud – the mislabeling and misrepresentation of food products – to protect consumers from deception and companies from unfair competition; and

• to take the first steps to work alongside provinces and not-forprofit organizations towards the creation of a National School Food Program.

The Food Policy for Canada aligns with the objectives of initiatives across the Federal Government, such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Heathy Eating Strategy, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy, among others.

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MINISTER CONFIDENT CHINESE MEAT BAN ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED As far as the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, is concerned, as long as both sides are talking every day, good things will happen.

Bibeau was responding to a question regarding a potentially crippling ban on beef and pork products by the Chinese government and the fact that if the ban stays in place long-term, it could devastate producers.

“I am very confident that as long as we are talking with our counterparts in the Chinese government, and we are doing that every day, this issue will be resolved,” said Minister Bibeau. “We have plans in place to address this issue in the short term, the medium term and the long term. My priority right now, is to re-assure the officials in the Chinese government that what brought on this situation will be investigated.

“We have proposed a plan with additional measures for the beef and pork export system in a way to tighten it and raise awareness so the Chinese will reopen the market as soon as possible.”

According to Bibeau, the ban was put in place last month after China claimed to have found 188 allegedly counterfeit veterinary certificates for meat labelled as being, “Imported from Canada.” The Chinese government also claimed that there were trace amounts of a banned feed additive called ractopamine 6

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By Scott Taylor

in some of the meats.

Ractopamine, which is not common in Canadian pork, is a food additive that some producers will add to their pigs’ feed about a month before they’re slaughtered.

The additive helps pigs put on more muscle, and is considered a cost-saving measure for producers. It also means that the meat has a higher protein-to-fat ratio.

Health Canada claims there is no evidence that the drug is unsafe for consumers. However, the Chinese (and the EU) believe that ractopamine and other beta-agonist drugs can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system of humans.

Canadian Government officials were quite skeptical of China’s ractopamine claim. James Watson, the Senior Media Relations Officer at the Public Affairs Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada told CMB that Canadian beef and pork products are among the safest in the market.

“The Canadian food system is one of the best in the world and the government is confident in the safety of Canadian products and Canadian exports,” Watson said. “Canada is an efficient and reliable supplier of safe, high-quality products, and we look forward to concluding the investigation into the inauthentic certificate. Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials are in daily contact with Chinese officials to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, as Bibeau walked us through the events of the past month, she appeared to have serious concerns as to the validity of the certificates that were apparently found with the Canadian beef.

That has created another theory regarding Canada’s relationship with China. Some have suggested that the ban on beef and pork (and initially canola) is part of the Chinese government’s retaliation for the arrest, in Canada, of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou. Bibeau, remaining politically astute, won’t even address that theory.

“So, to go back to the beginning, on June 14, we were informed that these export certificates were not authentic and on June 25, the Chinese government informed us that imports of Canadian beef and pork would be banned,” Bibeau said. “So, we have started an investigation and the Chinese have started an investigation and we will find out where these certificates came from and how they got there because they are certificates that we do not use.

“The origin of the inauthentic export certificate, and the products associated with that certificate, is completely unknown,” Bibeau continued. “As a result, this matter has been referred to law enforcement authorities.”

THE RCMP HAVE CONFIRMED THAT IT IS INVESTIGATING THE ALLEGED FRAUDULENT CERTIFICATES. A ban on Canadian beef and pork could become a crippling blow to the Canadian meat sector. China is Canada’s third-largest market for pork and fifth-largest for beef exports. As a result, the ban has the potential to have a very significant negative affect on the bottom lines of the producers in those industries. In April 2019 alone, Canada has already exported $310 million worth of pork and $63 million worth of beef and veal to China.

In fact, Statistics Canada reported that sales from Canada to China had been soaring in the month before the June ban. In fact, Stats Can reported that Canadian producers exported 146 million kilograms of pork to China in the first four months of 2019, an 80 per cent increase from the same period last year when 95 million kilograms was shipped.

Patti Negrave, deputy director for Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, said about 30 per cent of Canada’s pork exports to China come from Ontario – with more than half from the province’s southwest.

However, while a long-term ban could be financially devastating for Canadian beef ranchers and hog farmers, Bibeau believed it was premature to discuss

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the creation of a government fund to support producers affected by the ban.

“Our focus right now is to get the ban lifted as quickly as possible,” Minister Bibeau said. “We have financial tools available to us right now to assist producers, but our immediate concern is to get Canadian beef and pork moving to China as quickly as we can.”

Watson said that current support mechanisms are in place and farmers do have financial assistance available to them immediately.

“We will continue doing everything we can to support the Canadian pork and beef sectors,” Watson said.

“We are also working with provincial and territorial governments and industry partners to ensure pork and beef producers know how to take full advantage of immediate support available through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s existing Business Risk Management programs.

“Participation of pork and beef producers in BRM programs is strong. We also recently increased the loan limits under the Advance Payments Program to $1 million (from $400,000), and we announced a two-month extension to the AgriStability enrollment

deadline to July 2. Producers experiencing financial challenges due to farming or market conditions beyond their control are also encouraged to withdraw funds held in Agri-Invest accounts.”

Bibeau said the federal government takes the issue with China, “Very seriously and we will continue to stand-up for Canada’s entire agricultural sector.” “ The government is “working around the clock” to investigate the suspect Canadian certificates that sparked the Chinese ban,” she said. “We are working every day to resolve this issue.”

QUESTION PERIOD WITH THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE DIVERSIFICATION What does your department plan to do to repair the damage done by China’s recent ban on Canadian beef and pork products?

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Canada’s pork and beef industries and the jobs that depend on Canadian exports. The Government’s number one priority is to regain full market access for our meat to China, and we are working hard on all fronts.

We will continue doing everything we can to support the Canadian pork and beef sectors. Canada is an efficient and reliable supplier of safe, high-quality products, and we look forward to concluding the investigation into the inauthentic certificate.

Both Ministers Bibeau and Carr continue to focus on diversifying our trade to ensure our farmers have access to as many markets as possible and we will keep working to grow our exports.

CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY OFFICIALS ARE IN DAILY CONTACT WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Is the government prepared to support producers who could be devastated by the loss of a market like China?

We are also working with provincial and territorial governments and industry partners to ensure pork and beef producers know how to take full advantage of immediate support available through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s existing Business Risk Management programs. Participation of pork and beef producers in BRM programs is strong. We also recently increased the loan limits under the Advance Payments Program to $1 million (from $400,000), and we announced a two-month extension to the AgriStability enrollment

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and we announced a two-month extension to the AgriStability enrollment deadline to July 2nd.

Producers experiencing financial challenges due to farming or market conditions beyond their control are also encouraged to withdraw funds held in AgriInvest accounts.

HOW MUCH DO YOU BELIEVE THIS IS RELATED TO THE ARREST OF HUAWEI’S MENG WANZHOU? • Our government condemns the arbitrary detention and sentencing of Canadians in China.

• We have been reaching out and talking to Canadian companies that are active in China, the second largest market for Canadian businesses, to discuss the situation, share ideas, and ensure the interests of Canadians is always top of mind.

• Our government is focused on securing access to new markets and making Canada the most globally connected economy in the world, and we are doing just that with signing historic agreements in the AsiaPacific and Europe.

• We are diversifying our markets abroad to create well-paying jobs at home for the middle class an those working hard to join it.

VEMAG

REPLACEMENT PARTS

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“When you grow up in the industry, a shop like Central Products just makes sense,” he says. “I was working in the hospitality industry for some years before finding the opportunity here at Central Products.”

The secret to his success after taking the reins and being his own boss is simple as far as Mike is concerned.

“Anyone in the hospitality industry knows success is completely dependent on good product and good service. The reputation was already firmly established, so all I had to do was continue that tradition.”

CENTRAL PRODUCTS & FOODS LTD: BUILT ON TRADITION

By Cam Patterson When you walk into Sausage Makers store front delicatessen at 630 Nairn Avenue in Winnipeg’s east end, the wafting aroma of fine deli meats makes your mouth water. Customers have more than 70 products of in store made sausages and meats to choose from, all served by friendly and experienced staff.

It’s the kind of reputation Central Products & Food Ltd. - the parent company of Sausage Makers Delicatessen - has enjoyed for over 60 years. With its trademark cow statuettes perched on the roof, the store has become something of a tradition in Winnipeg. But the simple fact is that the adherence to the principles that built those traditions is the hallmark to the continued success of the brand.

Mike Watson has made sure of that and has been the owner of the company for the past two years.

“I was in the hospitality industry for many years before I bought the company a few years ago now,” he explains.

“I am, in fact, the third owner and was fortunate to be able to acquire the company when Jerry Derzko who was looking to retire. He was hired by the original six who started Central Products in 1958. They brought Jerry on as general manager, and he bought out each of the original owner’s shares when they were looking to retire. His daughter Christina is our manager, and has been here since she was 12 years old.”

It was that linage that attracted Mike in the first place.

His dad was a butcher in Europe and when his parents immigrated to Canada his uncle took over the butcher shop. His dad worked in Canada as a butcher at Eaton’s.

You could say it’s in Mike’s blood.

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Mike is quick to credit his team. “We have a wonderful staff. Some of our sausage makers have been with the company in excess of 20 years. And that’s very important because that experience and know-how is the reason our products have had good consistency.

Our recipes go back to 1958 when the company started and have been handed down since then in a time honored tradition that reflects in the taste of our meats.”

As he walks through the shop, proud that the store is pretty much the same, with the exception of modern tech having to be upgraded. And, of course, machinery needs replacing. “This year we needed a new sausage stuffing machine,” he says. “So I went to the markets and started searching for a larger capacity machine.

There are only a couple companies that produce them.

I found that Reiser’s Vemag sausage stuffer checked all the boxes.”

With the Vemag sausage stuffer, Central Products can produce 25% to 30% more product per hour. It was a significant increase to their volume. “What I appreciated with Reiser was they not only sell you the machine, but they follow up that relationship, guaranteeing it’s running at optimum. They also assisted us with streamlining some our process efficiency. As I run my own business the same way, I appreciate that dedication to customer service.”

That tradition has been the cornerstone to Central Products since 1958. Originally the company started as a wholesale outlet by the original six owners. A few years later the delicatessen was added and the store front name changed to Sausage Makers Delicatessen.

“We have a successful 61-year-old history here in Manitoba making and selling our sausages derived from our Eastern European heritage,” Mike states proudly.

“We carry a wide range of meat products and some of our most popular is our blood & buckwheat sausage.

Our coarse garlic sausage is our number one seller, but

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Mike is keenly aware of changing trends in consumer awareness when it comes to the food they buy. But for his shop, it is still business as it has always been.

“Over the last 3 years I’ve seen a real return to how people purchase their meat,” he says. “Customers are more educated today, and they pay attention to the ingredients on the packages, and preferring their meat not be loaded with nitrates and salt. But, in all honesty, we haven’t changed a lot, even though consumer awareness is vastly different with respect to ingredients.” our farmers and 14 different smokies are very popular as well.”

Central Products is more than a wholesaler and delicatessen. The shop on Nairn with the two statuette cows on the roof is a full process meat processing operation, handling their own cutting, grinding, and mixing.

To meet their growing demand, the Vemag HP10L was the right contemporary solution for Central Products.

With Central’s unique mix of specialized products, satisfying the demand for both high-speed production with quick changeovers made the upgrade choice easy for Mike. Whether its Central’s signature Kubasa, Garlic Sausage, Pepperette’s or fine European wieners the Vemag HP10L with world standard double screw technology offered unmatched flexibility. It was a main contributor to Mike’s decision to partner with Reiser.

Future plans to enhance Central’s ground portioned products is easily satisfied with the exclusive Vemag inline grinder system complement.

“We deal with several Manitoba family-run producers, including BJ Packers in Beausejour, Country Meat & Sausage out of Blumenort, and Prairie Abattoir from Portage La Prairie,” Mike explains. “All our pork is Manitoba Pork, and the majority of the beef is Manitoba raised, but we do get some from Alberta; but all Canadian for sure.”

They also carry a full line of Eastern European food products from cheeses to sauerkraut and pickles, tea and coffee, perogies, cabbage rolls, and even chocolate.

Though the majority of their sales are over the counter, the company has built a large distribution network of grocers, restaurants, and hotels in and around Manitoba.

“We are proud that we are primarily Manitoba home grown with our meat products,” he adds.

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Central Products & Foods has been making gluten free sausages and deli meats since the beginning of the company, which means they don’t use any wheat fillers in their sausages. “We have always been low salt and no MSG added in all of our meats and we’ve built our brand on these principles over these many years.”

Which brings Mike back to the very principle of tradition. Combined with Reiser’s unmatched expertise and support, Central Products maintains the high quality traditions it founded years ago and is well positioned for the future business goals.

“I believe our customers have returned and supported us over the years because they know that the meat they’re taking home is Manitoba grown. They appreciate that.

“It has always come back to the farm for us, and now, the same can be said for our customers because they know when they come to us for their meat, we guarantee very good quality at a reasonable price, good customer service, all backed by our reputation of 61 years in the market.”

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KFC CANADA PARTNERS WITH CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA KFC Canada has announced its partnership with Chicken Farmers of Canada by featuring the Raised by a Canadian Farmer seal on its products, which demonstrates the commitment of restaurants and grocery retailers who source chicken raised to the highest standards of quality and care by Canadian farmers, of which 100 per cent of KFC Canada’s system supports.

The Raised by a Canadian Farmer seal not only represents where the chicken comes from, but also stands for a three-fold set of exacting standards: Animal Care, ensuring chicken health and welfare on farms; OnFarm Food Safety, emphasizing cleanliness, safety and biosecurity on farms; and Sustainability, committing to sustainability efforts and farm land preservation.

“KFC Canada stands behind its chicken quality and taste credentials and we’re proud to serve chicken that Canadians trust and love, from our classic Original Recipe buckets to our boneless Tenders,” said Nivera Wallani, President and General Manager, KFC Canada.

“Featuring the Chicken Farmers of Canada Raised by a Canadian Farmer seal on our products demonstrates and reinforces not only our support for Canadian chicken farmers, but our commitment to serving chicken raised with industry-leading animal welfare, food safety and sustainability practices.”

Canadians will begin to see the Raised by a Canadian Farmer seal on in-store packaging and signage at KFC locations across the country, as well as on KFC Canada’s 14

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social media pages and website.

“The Raised by a Canadian Farmer brand is synonymous with origin and quality and is a symbol for the innovation, pride, and hard work that Canadian chicken farmers put in every day,” said Benoît Fontaine, Chair, Chicken Farmers of Canada. “For years, KFC Canada has demonstrated to the world that chicken partners throughout the Canadian value chain are committed to delivering on consumer expectations for food safety, animal care, and sustainability excellence.”

According to the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s 2016 Sustainability Report, 80 per cent of Canadians say they trust farmers. Additionally, 77 per cent say they trust Canadian raised chicken seals coming directly from farmers rather than manufactures or retailers. The Raised by a Canadian Farmer seal lets consumers know the chicken they’re getting has been sourced from local farmers, and adheres to the following standards:

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1.

ANIMAL CARE

care is a mandatory program NALAnimal FOCUSES ONthat demonstrates proper animal care throughout each step of the production cycle, fromWITH the birds’ arrival in the barn INDUSTRY NEW including transportation and processing, to ensuring farmers adhere antimicrobial strategies laid out RVICES INto strict CANADA by both industry and the government.

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ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY

accredited International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, On-Farm Food Safety comprises animal health, food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, cleanliness and safety throughout each step of regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, thefood production cycleand and sees farmersTraining follow modalities strict microbiology ISO standards. biosecurity measures to protect animaland health include eLearning, on-site, customized open and enrolment.

prevent flock infections outside sources.

Additionally, the websitefrom includes information about

management system registrations for the food, automotive, These mandatoryinformation rules govern chicken farms from environmental, security, medical devices, aerospace and chemical asrequirements well as for Ontario coast to coast and includeindustries, top-notch water disease programs. fordrinking biosecurity, prevention, feed, water Visit the new Canadian website at along www.nsfcanada.ca review the food management and testing, with all to the record safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn keeping necessary to prove that farmers area question adhering to about upcoming events and global news releases, YesGroup_CanadianMeatBusiness-Qtr-pg.pdf 1 submit 2014-05-16 1:20:17 PMor read theanprocess.

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3.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable chicken production means protecting animal health and welfare, producing safe chicken, preserving the health of the land and of Canadian farms, and contributing to the Canadian economy by providing affordable food to Canadians through proper supply management.

“KFC Canada appreciates that Canadian consumers not only have a vested interest in where their food comes from, but the values in which a restaurant upholds,” said Wallani. “KFC is famous for our taste, but we’ve equally always been dedicated to the chicken we serve.

We’re excited to partner with Chicken Farmers of Canada in the Raised by a Canadian Farmer branding program as it signifies the quality, passion and commitment of Canadian chicken farmers – values the Colonel himself exemplified in everything he did.”

To learn more about the Raised by a Canadian Farmer brand, visit www.chicken.ca.

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ABOUT KFC CANADA Today KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands Inc. and operates more than 21,000 restaurants in more than 130 countries around the world including more than 600 locations right here in Canada. For more information, visit www.kfc.ca.

About Chicken Farmers of Canada Chicken Farmers of Canada represents the 2,800 chicken farmers from coast to coast, and ensures that the Canadian chicken that consumers want is safe, delicious, and raised to the highest standards.

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NAL FOCUSES ON INDUSTRY WITH NEW RVICES IN CANADA I’VE GOT A BEEF

cases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing The Canadian beef industry took a bit of flack in the regional media last week. It’s part of a larger problem— w accredited International Association for Continuing many Canadians have lost their connection to the farm wing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, and how food is produced. They don’t know what ss food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, Manitoba cattle producers actually doing why nd regulations (including FSMA),are food science, foodand packaging, turning our province’s pastures into fields of soy might on food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities not be the best idea.

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Last summer, asystem studyregistrations was published in Science titled, management for the food, automotive, “Reducing food’s environmental impacts environmental, information security, medicalthrough devices, aerospaceand andconsumers”. chemical industries, as well as for Ontario producers The study consolidated drinking waterdata programs. international from five environmental indicators, Visit the farms new Canadian www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food 38,700 and website 1,600 atprocessors, packaging types safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn and retailers. events The study concluded, “The impacts of the about upcoming and global news releases, a question YesGroup_CanadianMeatBusiness-Qtr-pg.pdf 1 submit 2014-05-16 1:20:17 PMor read lowest-impact animal products typically exceed those an FAQ.

mation

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson, Neepawa Banner & Press of vegetable substitutes.” The study also points out that while livestock take up 83 per cent of farmland, they only produce 18 per cent of the world’s calories.

Some of the more prominent news coverage ran with pictures of cattle grazing on slashed Amazon rain forest and pushed the need to switch from animal to plant proteins.

There are extremely damaging ways of producing meat, including grazing illegally slashed Amazon rainforest, but what gets considerably less attention is the role that animal agriculture plays in helping to conserve the environment and species at risk. The “Reducing food…” study found that the problems weren’t evenly distributed— looking at beef herds, the highest-impact 25 per cent of producers represented 56 per cent of the beef herd’s GHG emissions and 61 per cent of its land use. There is a large need for change among these producers.

One of the biggest positive roles cattle and other ruminant animals play is that they utilize natural resources that humans can’t. They break down the cellulose in grass for energy, this is something that many mammals, including humans, can’t do. It’s more complicated than just turning fields of grazing into crops, because not all land is created equal. All told, the FAO estimates that as much as 70 per cent of the world’s agricultural land can only be utilized as grazing land for ruminant livestock. This land has no other productive options.

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Grazing animals play a vital role in the ecosystem and since the large herds that used to graze the plains no longer exist, today, domestic animals fill the role. The Canadian Wildlife Federation recognizes the more than 20 million hectares of pasture in Canada, which is important habitat to thousands of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, plants and insects. In our area, it’s not unusual to see prime crop land sell for $3,000 or more an acre, it just doesn’t pay to graze animals on such valuable land.

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It’s why as seed varieties and fertilizers DF: I don’t thinkland beingtoonbe the island into allow more marginal turned has really impacted us negatively one something it really isn’t, more and more way or the other.

We’ve traveled a lot, pasture is being converted into crop land, met a lot of other farmers and livestock often after being cleared, drained and producers in other parts of Canada, and levelled. we all seem to have the same issues and same concerns.

Some of the country’s largest conservation CMB: I understand that your farm agreements cover pasture and at the was the first in Atlantic Canada to be Alberta/Saskatchewan border, beneficial involved in the TESA program. cattle grazing has been one of the key Yes, I think we were thedecimated first farm factorsDF: in efforts to rebuild the east of Ontario as far as I understand. population of sage grouse. Sheep are I’m not sure why the eastern being used to combat the encroachment associations wouldn’t have previously of invasive plants and ensure the health nominated anybody because there are of the tall grass prairie at the Living Prairie many farms here on PEI doing every Museum in Winnipeg. bit as much as we are as to attain a high level of sustainability. Anyway,

In our area, it’svery not surprised unusual to seethe prime we were when PEI c rop land sell for $3,000 or more an acre, it Cattleman’s Association nominated our just doesn’t farm. pay to graze animals on such valuable land.

It’sthen why aswere seedattending varietiesthe CMB: And you and fertilizers allow more marginal land Canadian Beef conference in Calgary to be turned into something it really isn’t, and you won. more and more pasture is being converted DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment into crop land, often after being cleared, for us. But I don’t like to use the drainedword andwin levelled. actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was

Today, aCanada’s cattle ranchers real honour.

If you want toare know producing more with less.

In humbling 2011, it took the truth, it was a pretty 29 per experience. cent less breeding per they As I said stock, to CBC27 when phoned me aftercattle, the conference, I was cent fewer slaughter 24 per cent justand floored, really couldn’t believe it. less land 15 per cent less greenhouse gas to produce amount of beef CMB: So the nowsame that you have been as it didrecognized, two decades before. is not an do you think This that will draw more industry stuck in attention the past.and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward?

There are over 205,000 farms in Canada

and their is only fraction of DF:diversity Absolutely.

We’vea gotten a lot that seen around the world. This to of good press highlighting theisn’t island cattle industry.

I’m positive you’ll see say that there isn’t more we could all be in our that neck Manitoba’s of the woods doing, more but tofarms advocate nominated next year. And to I have to give pastures should be converted fields of the Canadian Cattleman’s Association soy ignores the realities— those that can, recognition choosing or should, alreadyforhave been.a farm from Prince Edward Island. We are small

Kateplayers Jackman-Atkinson the managing in the nationalisbeef industry editor of the Neepawa Banner Press and I think it was a real credit&to their Newspaper.

An award winning columnist, organization to recognize us. They reporter and photographer, Kate, treated all the nominees royally and it her husband and daughter, also run a cowwas a real class act. It was a wonderful calf operation on their farm, just north of experience.

Neepawa, Manitoba

Article courtesy of Neepawa Banner & Press – www.mywestman.ca 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019 meatbusiness.ca

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September/October 2017 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 17

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 healthier alternatives. The result of this onslaught of negative meat messages has influenced many families to cut back on their meat and poultry purchases. Perceptions may reality but truth trumps misinformation. Parents and other consumers want what is best for their health and that of their families.

They are also aware that a lot of false information is out there and as such, are open to scientific facts that can correct their misconceptions.

McDonald’s U.S. announced in 2018 it would no longer

liver, 625 grams of cooked beef or an astounding 2.4 kg of spinach.

Iron found in vegetables is harder to absorb than the iron found in meat as it is attached to fibre which inhibits its absorption.

2. Eat Meat for aSWITCH Healthier Brain!

MCDONALD’S GAINS MARKET SHARE BY TO FRESH BEEF Being deficient in the micronutrients found in meat have been

beThis selling frozen beef in favor fresh beef patties in all provides an opportunity for of retail meat departments implement an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional itstoQuarter Pounders. campaign to set the record straight and convince their customers that meat and poultry are actually good for one’s Wendy’s had been lording its fresh beef burgers over health and that they should increase rather than decrease McDonald’s for of a while, but it took the Golden Arches their purchases it. The campaign outlined below can have more than four years and cost its meat suppliers more a direct impact on sales:

than million toinstore pull itposters off. promoting the nutritional Start$60 by displaying value of meat. They should be innovative, eye catching and

be designedsaid to specifically any meat myths.

The McDonald’s it gainedcontradict burger market share in the comments should all be literature based quoting research informal-eating-out category for the first time in five papers or MDs for maximum effect. Various posters should years, thanks in part to its nationwide launch of fresh be made - each with a brief but powerful message covering beef.

The company said it sold 40 million more quarterone theme. pound burgers during the first quarter of 2019 from a Posters can convey the following healthy meat fact year earlier. The chain sold 30% more Quarter Pounders messages: in1.the first year of the nationwide launch, according to Let’s IRON out the Truth on Meat! the company.

“You would need to eat a massive amount of spinach to equal (the iron content) in a steak,” says Christopher Golden,

and epidemiologist at Harvard University in Inana ecologist first-quarter earnings call cited

by CNN, McDonald’s Cambridge, Massachusetts.

(As quoted nature.com in the CFO Kevin Ozan noted the fresh beef by burgers are also article ‘Brain food- clever eating’.) now available in the 2 for $5 combo, a deal that he says Forbeen a woman to receivewell her for recommended has performing the chain. daily intake of 18 mg of iron, she would need just 300 grams of cooked bovine

linked low like IQ, autism, depression dementia says It nowwith looks the risky decision,and and logistical hurdles Dr. Charlotte Neumann, a paediatrician at the University of to speed the turnaround from cow to beef patty, is California, as quoted in the article ‘Brain food- clever eating’.

paying off for the fast-food giant.

Zinc is crucial for learning and memory. Vitamin B12 preserves the sheaths that protect nerves.

Part of McDonald’s strategy has been to offer better

3. Boost Your Immunity with Meat! quality food, even though it can add more complexity Due to its antioxidant powers, zinc is involved in creating to the kitchen supply McDonald’s antibodies to fightand freethe radicals thatchain. increase our risk for had to create refrigerators designed to maintain the right chronic diseases.

temperature and kitchen utensils for handling fresh 4.

Power Your Muscle Growth with Meat! beef.

The company is also transitioning to tissues. using 100% The protein in meat helps build and repair body

cage-free Muscles areeggs madeby of2025. protein. That is why athletes who are building muscle strength increase their meat consumption.

The protein and zinc found in meat areofficer important muscle Marion Gross, chief supply chain forfor North growth andtold repair.

America, CNN Business just how big an undertaking 5. is switch the Complete Protein! it Meat was to from frozen to fresh meat, calling it Meat contains most all of the nine essential amino acids that since your it McDonald’s significant supply-chain move body cannot make by itself. Say ‘hello’ to histidine, leucine, introduced all-day breakfast in 2015. Trucks required isoleucine, lycine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, temperature-monitoring suppliers needed threonine, and valine. That is equipment; why meat is called a complete new packaging technology and more refrigeration; protein.

and individual stores had to pay for new 6.

Eateven Meatsome for a Healthy Heart! refrigeration andofstorage.

Employees had to be Meat contains lots the B vitamins neededalso for the production hormones, red blood cells and for the proper trained inofupdated food-safety protocols. functioning of your nervous system.

Say thiamine, biotin, panthothenic It’s ‘hello’ usefultotoniacin, keepfolic thatacid, massive supply chain in mind acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6.

They are all found in meat.or when the internet collectively calls for some change The line that best defense is a good offense’ does not addition to‘the McDonald’s menu.

Recently, pressure has only apply to sports.

It alsoto applies countering negative mounted for the chain add atomeatless burger option, meat health myths. Implementing an instore ‘Healthy Meat like Burger King’s Impossible Whopper or Del Taco’s Facts’ nutritional campaign to set the record straight on meat Beyond Meat so far by hasn’t and poultry.

It ismenu a gooditems. way toMcDonald’s go on the offensive using rolled out such an option, and if the switch to education your customers and increasing your sales..fresh beef

patties is any indication, it might be aCanadian years-long process Ronnie P. Cons is CEO of C&C Packing Inc., a leading distributor of meat and poultry. to get there.He can be reached at RCons@CCpacking.com.

22 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS September/October 2017

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meatbusiness.ca

RISING FOOD PRICES WORRY 90% OF CANADIANS AS FEDERAL ELECTION NEARS

Rising food prices worry nearly 9 in 10 Canadians ahead of the upcoming federal election, according to a major new opinion poll released in late June. Fear of rising food prices is consistent across all regions, demographic groups, and political parties.

The national survey conducted by Abacus Data, commissioned by Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), also shows that the majority of Canadians think food prices will continue to rise if the next government does not strengthen Canada’s food industry.

Abacus CEO David Coletto noted “affordability anxiety” is a defining issue in the upcoming federal election. Coletto commented: “Across every province, demographic group, and political tribe - Canadians are worried about keeping up with the cost of living. Food prices are an important part of that equation, and voters are looking to politicians for concrete solutions.”

The cost of feeding a family of four is expected to rise by up to $400 this year. Amongst other factors increasing grocery bills, FCPC warned in April that grocery store consolidation and a challenging regulatory environment decrease choice, raise prices, and inhibit innovation. Canada’s food industry lost 12 jobs per day, every day, from 2013 to 2018.

FCPC CEO Michael Graydon said the new Abacus poll sends a crystal clear message to politicians. “Canadians expect the government to make affordable food a priority, and they will vote with rising grocery bills in mind.”

“Food is fundamental to Canada’s future,” Graydon continued. “Canadians are counting on government to help strengthen the food industry, so we can keep feeding Canadian families, buying Canadian crops, and creating Canadian jobs.”

Highlighting the poll in its last message to Members of Parliament before the campaign season begins, FCPC urged politicians to commit support to Canada’s food industry workers and the millions of Canadian families who rely on affordable, safe groceries every day.

The food industry employs more Canadians (300,000) than any other manufacturing sector, in 6500 communities across the country, and buys 40% of the food Canadian farmers grow.

KEY POLL RESULTS • 90% of Canadians worry about rising food cost • 70% of Canadians think food prices will continue to rise if the government does not prioritize strengthening the food industry, which will also hurt farmers and workers.

• 92% of Canadians think it is critically important to have a 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019

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Seafood Workforce – have indicated that 50% of the employees required to maintain the current pace of industry growth will be in these sectors.

“FPSC is an important part of the food and beverage workforce solution by offering programs, resources and training tools to employers, employees and people planning a career in the industry. With our partners, we can successfully address barriers to industry growth and career development for Canadians,” said Jennefer Griffith, Executive Director, Food Processing Skills Canada.

LMI STUDY REVEALS SERIOUS WORKFORCE GAP FOR INDUSTRY Food Processing Skills Canada’s Latest Labour Market Information (LMI) Study Reveals Serious Workforce Gap for Industry Results from a 2019 labour market information study being completed by Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) has quantified the major gap in employment for the food and beverage manufacturing sector between 2018 and 2025.

This latest study, which builds on the 2011 published report, Who is Processing Your Food? Food & Beverage Labour Market Information is providing fresh insight into a significant and quickly approaching workforce challenge for businesses.

Based on the 2018 Agri-food Strategy Table report that challenges industry to grow at 3.5% per year to achieve export sales of $85 billion in 2025, FPSC estimates the food and beverage processing industry will need to hire almost 65,000 new employees – 21,000 for industry growth and 44,000 for replacing workers due to retirement – to meet the target. Given that the workforce in 2017 was composed of just over 265,000 people, this new hiring demand represents 24.3% of employment.

“Initial numbers from the 2019 labour market research analysis are concerning,” said Mike Timani, Food Processing Skills Canada chair & president, Fancy Pokket. “The industry is already struggling with recruitment and retention of qualified employees making it difficult for businesses to grow and meet consumer demand for Canadian products.”

The Agri-food Strategy Table report target of $85 billion in exports by 2025 is ambitious in that it requires 17,000 more workers than the 48,000 needed for the current rate of industry growth to reach $70 billion in exports by 2025. Of interest, two recent labour market reports published by FPSC – Securing Canada’s Meat Workforce and Securing Atlantic Canada’s Fish + 22

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FPSC is committed to assisting food and beverage businesses across Canada in forecasting and planning for their workforce demands with accurate and up to date labour market information. The organization’s latest labour market information report on the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry will be released September 2019.

FPSC is an active participant in the Government of Canada’s Food Processing Industry Roundtable addressing the labour challenge with colleague organizations and companies across the country.

ABOUT FOOD PROCESSING SKILLS Food Processing Skills Canada is the skills and workforce development organization for food and beverage manufacturers in Canada and around the globe. As a non-profit organization, Food Processing Skills Canada collaborates with governments, industry stakeholders, provincial associations and educators to support food and beverage manufacturers in human resources and workforce development. Flagship programs include Succeeding at Work, Food Skills Library, Food Processors’ Institute and the Food Safety Management Training Program for Newcomers. To learn more visit Food Processing Skills Canada.

ABOUT FPSC’S LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION INITIATIVES To identify the scope of human resource challenges for Canadian food processing sectors and to identify best practices which will help employers meet their labour force needs, Food Processing Skills Canada’s has committed to a series of labour market information reports accessible here.

Food Processing Skills Canada has received generous support from the food and beverage processing industry and Employment and Social Development Canada.

For more information, visit www.lmi.fphrc.com

SET REALISTIC GOALS

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

BUSINESS TIPS FOR ASPIRING LIVESTOCK FARMERS

By Matt McIntosh, Farm Credit Canada

Kim Waalderbos, a dairy and beef farmer from central New Brunswick, says new livestock farmers should establish realistic goals, including determining what level of income needs to be generated. This includes developing a business plan, which includes a marketing plan, identifying labour needs and setting a cash flow budget.

She adds financing, should it be needed, is also easier to acquire with a thorough and organized business plan.

Farming livestock can be a rewarding, yet challenging DON’T TAKE ANIMAL HEALTH FOR GRANTED venture.

Successfully getting into the livestock business, Proposed 30,000-square-foot beef abattoir in Cloverdale would be B.C.’s largest such facility Research is also important in building a healthy flock or say two veteran farmers, takes more than just hard

By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News herd. Ensuring animals are purchased from reputable physical work. whoodours. put extra intoisachieving high-health sobreeders as to not emit And effort while there an operational A federally licensed beef processing facility is in the works 6,000-square-foot abattoir on the property now, it’s can in Surrey, BC. status, Brock says, is critical. This might cost more Indeed, new livestock farmers should do a lot of only process a limited number of cattle. initially, but it’s well worth the investment. preliminary “There’s research. a new building coming forward, a new abattoir, I think that’s the French pronunciation of slaughterhouse,” said Councillor Starchuk. “So Surrey will have a BUILDMike A SUPPORT NETWORK newer facility with a better capacity so people will have the ability to not have to ship an animal to Alberta to have For Sandi Brock,The a sheep farmer from Southern Ontario, it processed. applications have gone through the one of the most important steps new livestock farmers Agricultural and Food Sustainability Advisory Committee.”

can take is to build a support network.

The facility is proposed on a 25-acre property within the WhileAgricultural experienced dairy cattle andSt.broiler Land with Reserve at 5175 184th The planned 30,000-square footshe abattoir in Cloverdale process up chickens, Brock says initially had no would contacts to 100 head of cattle per day. or network of support in the sheep industry. She According to to achange city report, wouldtruly makeinvesting, it larger than endeavoured thisthat before and anyfor other processing facility in B.C.. Butwilling it wouldtostill be looked a good mentor – someone share by industry standards, compared to the largest meat theirsmall practical knowledge without sugar-coating the processing plants in Alberta that process 3,000 heads of venture.

Finding a mentor, she says, involves extensive cattle per day. research, but can be facilitated by talking to trusted The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed industry colleagues and commodity organizations.

meatbusiness.ca

Chris Les is general manager of Meadow Valley Meats, the MATCH company behind the project. Meadow Valley Meats is THE BUSINESS TO YOUR STRENGTHS seeking a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license for the proposed abattoir, to become a federally registered Both Brock and and Waalderbos every This livestock meat establishment expand thesay operation. would farmer will encounter unexpected setbacks.

Aspiring allow the meat products to be transported beyond B.C.’slivestock boundaries. farmers need to work to their own strengths and

understand will be aa more learning curve – whether or “Our focus is onthere trying to bring efficient, sustainable local to the market, realizing we with can doanimals. that now notproduct one has experience working in a very limited sense,” said Les. “I caution people when LINE talking to them and theyBOTTOM say, ‘What a big plant, that’s going to go allow you to go mainstream.’ Well, yes, if you look livestock the farm inSuccessfully the context of bringing B.C., but this is still ainto very niche plantoperation requires knowledge research, setting and achievable and we’ll serve a niche industry for producers for the goals,It’s establishing fromofthe onset market. certainly notgood going herd to be ahealth monstrosity a plant but it’llembracing be a big upgrade from the site currently.” and the learning curve, say two Canadian farmers.

Continued on page 32

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AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN ASIA LARGEST ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK IN HISTORY

By Hau Dinh and Sam McNeil, Associated Press

Millions of pigs have been culled in China and Vietnam as a U.N. food agency urges Asian governments to make containing virulent African swine fever their top priority.

In South Korea, where diets rely heavily on pork, there is concern an outbreak could hurt an industry with 6,300 farms raising more than 11 million pigs.

With an announcement by the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) that infections have spread to Laos, some experts are saying it is the largest animal disease outbreak in history.

“Animal disease containment in its broadest sense should be prioritized within the highest levels of governments,” the FAO said, warning, “Outbreak control strategies must be in place.”

The FAO said in a recent report that more than 3.7 million pigs in the region had been culled since the outbreak began in China last August. Vietnam has been the hardest hit, culling at least 2.6 million pigs followed

by China, which reported more than 1.1 million. All the figures were provided to the FAO by governments of countries affected by the epidemic.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IS HARMLESS TO PEOPLE BUT FATAL AND HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS FOR PIGS, WITH NO KNOWN CURE. With pork supplies dwindling as leading producer China and hard-hit Vietnam destroy huge numbers of hogs and tighten controls on shipments, prices have soared by up to 40% globally and caused shortages in other markets.

“This is the largest animal disease outbreak in history,” said Dirk Pfieffer, a veterinary epidemiologist at the City University of Hong Kong. “We’ve never had anything like it.”

CHINA HAS REPORTED 139 OUTBREAKS IN ALL BUT TWO OF ITS 34 PROVINCES The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts its total hog herd will shrink by 18% this year to 350 million animals, the lowest since the 1980s. This year’s Chinese pork output might fall by up to 35%, according to Rabobank.

Vietnam reported in mid-May that 1.2 million pigs, or about 5% of its total 30 million, an industry worth $18 billion, had died or been destroyed. FAO states that number has more than doubled to 2.6 million.

Rabobank expects Vietnamese pork production to fall 10% this year from 2018.

The mass culling in Vietnam could sink many farmers deeper into poverty, said Wantanee Kalpravidh, a regional coordinator of the FAO’s Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Disease.

Last month, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged Continued on page 26

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authorities to prevent the disease, found in 58 of 63 provinces, from escalating into an epidemic.

ABOUT 2.4 MILLION VIETNAMESE HOUSEHOLDS ENGAGE IN SMALL-SCALE PIG FARMING. Epidemic fighting efforts have gotten entangled in regional geopolitics. North Korea scaled back cooperation with South Korea after the collapse of a February summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, hampering joint work on stemming the spread of the disease following an outbreak near North Korea’s border with China.

South Korea’s agricultural ministry said that blood tests of pigs from some 340 farms near the border with the North were negative. Fences and traps have been installed near farms to protect hogs from being infected by wild boars that roam the inter-Korean border.

The North’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said quarantine efforts were focused on disinfecting farms and transport vehicles, restricting visitors, and banning the distribution of food products containing pork. Its references to nationwide quarantine efforts suggest the disease may have spread beyond regions near China.

Thailand and other countries still free of infections have taken strong preventive actions, including banning importation of pork, sausages, ham, or bacon.

FIND THE RIGHT CONVEYOR BELT ON ASHWORTH’S NEW WEBSITE Ashworth Bros. Inc., the leading manufacturer of conveyor belts, has launched a new, mobile-friendly website. Customers and prospects can readily access comprehensive product information to help them select the right belt for their specific requirements. The easy to navigate design offers seamless browsing for users and provides enhanced visibility of new products and services.

By simply clicking on product photos, users can find information on features, benefits, and specifications for a wide range of processing applications. Additionally, technical documents that cover installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures help customers keep their conveyor systems running smoothly.

Headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, Ashworth Bros. is the only conveyor belt company that manufactures and services both metal and plastic belting for straight running, turn-curve, lo-tension, positive drive, and selfstacking spirals—offering customers the best solution for their specific requirements. Companies around the world depend on Ashworth’s quality products, reliable customer service, innovative solutions and experienced factory service team to maximize throughput and minimize lifecycle costs.

For more information, visit www.ashworth.com

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The new program will provide 50 per cent of funds, up to $14,000, towards costs associated with hiring youth.

For not-for-profit organizations, and applicants who hire Indigenous youth or youth facing barriers, the program will provide 80 per cent of total eligible costs, up to $14,000.

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour said, “The strategy builds on the success of the Youth Employment Strategy to support the next generation of the middle class.

Young Canadians are talented, ambitious and hardworking, but getting a strong start in the workforce can be challenging for many-especially for youth with additional challenges. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy will make it easier for young people to transition from the classroom to the workforce, including those facing barriers. It is part of our plan to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at success.”

INVESTING TO ATTRACT YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced a new investment of up to $3.75 million that will help bring youth into the agriculture industry. The Youth Employment and Skills Program will provide funding to employers across the agriculture sector to hire Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30.

The initiative is part of a commitment through Budget 2019 for a modernized Youth Employment and Skills Strategy aimed at providing better supports for Canada’s youth.

“The agriculture industry is strong and growing, creating one in eight jobs which makes it the nation’s single largest employer. This program will allow more young people in Canada to explore the limitless potential this industry has to offer, while helping agricultural producers and processors meet their labour needs,” stated Minister Bibeau.

As part of this Strategy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program aims to create opportunities for Canadian youth, particularly youth facing barriers to entering or staying in the workforce, to explore employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector and to better prepare themselves for the labour market.

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QUICK FACTS • Through the Youth Employment and Skills Program, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada hopes to create over 200 positions across Canada within the agriculture sector.

Applications are being accepted (link to program page) on a continuous basis starting June 3, 2019 until funding has been fully committed. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2020.

• The Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES) is an Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal initiative involving 10 federal departments and agencies.

• Budget 2019 proposes to invest $49.5 million to support the ongoing modernization of the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). This builds on investments in Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the YES to help youth gain the skills and experience they need to find and maintain good employment.

AGRI-BUSINESSES ARE FACING A LABOUR SHORTAGE: HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN THE BEST WORKERS Agri-businesses are facing a labour shortage: Here’s what you can do to recruit and retain the best workers Having the right people for the job can make or break a small business. With a smaller team to rely on and fewer resources to devote to hiring, any position unfilled is a strain on productivity. So it’s not surprising that when I speak with farmers and business owners, the shortage of qualified labour is one of their mostpressing concerns.

The shortage of skilled labour is the top factor limiting businesses’ sales and production growth, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent (CFIB)’s monthly Business Barometer. A vacant post means work going undone or a heavier load on your other employees – and often on you as the business owner.

In the first quarter of this year, more than 435,000 jobs had remained vacant for more than four months.

That’s a lot of lost productivity. And the situation is worse in the agri-business sector – while the national job vacancy rate sits at 3.3 per cent, agri-businesses are facing a 3.8 per cent vacancy rate, which represents 6,700 jobs that have sat vacant for at least four months.

In fact, a recent study released by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) revealed that farmers lost $2.9 billion in sales due to unfilled vacancies – and this amount is an increase from $1.5 billion in 2014.

As an employer, you know that it’s never as simple as putting any warm body in the job. You need employees with the right combination of skills and attitude – something that’s proving difficult to find for many small business owners. In a 2015 CFIB survey, 73 per cent

of business owners agreed that the work ethic of new hires has deteriorated in recent years. Workers who spend too much time on personal tasks at work, such as browsing social media or texting friends, are some of the biggest irritants that we’ve heard about.

With a labour shortage, you are competing with big players like government and large corporations to attract and retain a shrinking pool of qualified talent.

But what can you do about it? Alone, you can try your best. Together with other business owners, you have more power.

With the backing of the 110,000 small- and mediumsized businesses that are our members, CFIB is asking the federal government to put in place measures to help businesses like yours staff up: encouraging youth employment by instituting an EI holiday for workers under 24; offsetting the cost of formal and informal training; and making it easier for small firms to hire foreign workers when they can’t find qualified candidates in their markets.

But in the meantime, you should make use of every resource you have available to attract and retain your workers.

GET EXPERT ADVICE AS SOON AS YOU NEED IT We know most agri-businesses don’t have HR or compliance specialists on staff, so hiring workers, administering benefits and complying with new and existing regulations falls squarely on your shoulders.

CFIB’s members have the benefit of calling our expert team of Business Counsellors with any question they may have, such as how to draft more effective job July/August 29 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019 2019 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 29

postings, find government programs or grants for hiring, administer government-mandated programs such as occupational health & safety, or start the process of recruiting a foreign worker.

They can also access resources like compliance checklists, a drug and alcohol policy and up-to-date information on new rules and regulations. These tools are easy to adapt for your business. As one BC member said: “Our CFIB membership has already paid for itself several times over…Thank you for your thorough, detailed and knowledgeable response – it has helped more than you will know.”

OFFER AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK In some cases, you can also consider offering an overall benefits package to your employees and prospective hires. You may think these programs are too expensive and complex for your agri-business to compete with the big guys, but it may be worth a close look at CFIB’s preferred rates for group insurance through Primasure.

CFIB members also have access to Vubiz which can provide you and your staff with free online training courses on important topics like marketing, health & safety, compliance, people management, customer service and more.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Owning a small business can be a lonely calling, particularly when you’re understaffed. The current labour shortage is especially challenging for businesses that want to grow and thrive. Having someone in your corner, with the right mix of policy solutions and support, can make all the difference. That’s why 110,000 business owners have joined CFIB and trust us to push governments to act, provide support and answers to their questions and get them better deals to offer more to their employees and save money overall.

If you’re not already a member, you’re missing out on all of this. But it’s not too late – visit cfib.ca to find out more.

OFFER AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Marilyn Braun-Pollon is the Vice-President of Prairie & Agri-business for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB has 110,000 small and medium-sized member businesses (7,200 agri-business members) across Canada.

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DOUGLAS MACHINES CORP NAMES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO

Paul Claro has been named as the new President and CEO of Douglas Machines Corp., replacing the retiring David Ward.

Claro possesses over 18 years of experience in industries ranging from product distribution, equipment manufacturing, industrial services, and engineering.

He has served as president, general manager and vice president for several large multi-million-dollar companies, including Trojan Battery, Argo Turboserve, Rexnord Industries, NUR Macroprinters, and Harsco Infrastructure, where he strategically built sales, streamlined operations and executed business development initiatives, leading to year over year growth.

“I am excited to be part of the Douglas team. We have tremendous potential for growth, and I look forward to exploring the possibilities to build on the existing foundation and advance our products and services market share,” stated Claro.

Paul has a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Drew University. He speaks 3 languages (Portuguese, Spanish, Italian) and is a U.S. Navy Veteran.

For 40 years, Douglas Machines Corp. has offered a full line of industry leading automated washing and sanitizing equipment for all containers commonly used in the food processing and distribution industries. Over 80 models exist to clean several hundred to several thousand containers an hour.

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