June 2020
Maintaining and Strengthening Canada’s Food Production Did COVID-19 Disrupt Trends in Canada Ag and Food Trade? Why Canada Needs an Agri-Food Immigration Program Surplus Food Rescue Program in Place Emerging from the Pandemic
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Canada and Ontario Support Beef and Hog Farmers during COVID-19
Why Canada needs an Agri-Food Immigration Program
New Big Beef Plants needed… government support would help – again
It’s Good, Canada
Maintaining and strengthening Canada’s food production and processing sector
Did COVID-19 disrupt trends in Canada ag and food trade?
Turkey Farmers of Canada Launches Two New Contests
Surplus Food Rescue Program in Place
Protecting Chickens from Heart Disease Emerging from the pandemiclong term strategy needed to address chronic labour shortages
https://www.reiser.com
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June 2020 Volume 20 Number 1
PUBLISHER Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusiness.ca MANAGING EDITOR Scott Taylor publishing@meatbusiness.ca DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Cam Patterson cam@meatbusiness.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Will Verboven, Kareem El-Assal, Sébastien Pouliot, Marilyn Braun-Pollon CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Canadian Meat Business is published six times a year by We Communications West Inc.
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CANADA AND ONTARIO SUPPORT BEEF AND HOG FARMERS DURING COVID-19 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $10 million in emergency assistance for beef and hog farmers. The funding will help cover the increased costs of feeding market ready cattle and hogs due to COVID-19 related processing delays, while redirecting surplus pork products to help those in need. This program will help ensure the country’s food supply chain will remain strong and ready to recover as the economy gradually and safely reopens. The beef cattle set-aside program will provide beef farmers with up to $5 million in support. Farmers can claim $2 per head of cattle per day to help pay for additional maintenance costs should they have to keep their market-ready animals on their farms for extended periods of time. The hog sector support program will also provide hog farmers with up to $5 million to help cover additional maintenance costs. Ontario is also providing up to $1.5 million to process and package surplus pork for food banks, to provide those in need with fresh, locally produced pork products. This will assist the pork processing industry with managing capacity while helping those in need. “We are grateful to our hardworking farmers who are providing Canadians with safe and healthy meat products,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment is another way we are supporting the agricultural sector to ensure a stable meat supply and keep high-quality and affordable Canadian meat products on our grocery store shelves and kitchen tables.” “During consultations with the pork and beef sectors, the need for emergency support to help them maintain their operations during COVID-19 was clear,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We understand the challenges that our farmers are facing and we are working with our commodity organizations to address their priorities and help our farmers manage through these unprecedented times.” Both the beef cattle set-aside and hog sector support programs are being offered through AgriRecovery initiatives, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The provincial contributions are part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.
Printed in Canada. ISSN 1715-6726
“I would like to thank Minister Hardeman, Minister Bibeau and our federal and provincial governments for their investment into the creation of a beef cattle set-aside program for Ontario,” said Beef Farmers of Ontario President Rob Lipsett. “This will be an important tool to have available to help manage potential disruptions within our processing sector. Having this safeguard in place, if it is ultimately needed, is critically important.” “Ontario Pork appreciates the continued dialogue with the government during this world-wide crisis,” said Eric Schwindt, Chair, Ontario Pork. “The announced program is an important first step in helping family pork farms to navigate this stressful situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019 June 2020 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 5
NEW BIG BEEF PLANTS NEEDED… GOVERNMENT SUPPORT WOULD HELP – AGAIN By Will Verboven In contemplating large commercial meat processing in Alberta, one is moderated by the perspective that it’s a mature industry hampered by perceived technological and occupational constraints. The covid-19 outbreak and its consequences have highlighted that these massive processing facilities require a considerable and vulnerable labour force. Workers standing close to each other is the accepted norm in a big plant which has not changed much over the past 100 years. Compared to other food production sectors, most of whom have embraced extensive automation, meat processing seems somewhat outdated. That’s not to say automation hasn’t occurred in big meat plants, but one wonders can it go further and what are the constraints.
There is a message here for the meatpacking industry in Alberta – I would suggest automation and robotics works. I expect Cargill and JBS, two of the largest meat processing companies in the world have been researching efficiencies and automation continually. The question is, why have they not built highly automated robotic plants – surely they are aware of the success of the Danish plant? Perhaps it is just a matter of economics – is labour just cheaper in North America than in Denmark, so why bother with costly automation.
The ongoing opinion is that because plants are processing a biological and variably-sized product, robotics and other forms of automation are challenging to utilize. But surely advances in sensor devices are making processing technology more flexible in dealing with carcass and meat product variability. I cite a highly automated pork plant built by Danish Crown, the largest pork processor in Europe. They utilize automation and robotics to reduce high Danish labour costs. The plant processes up to 15,000 hogs per day. It is said it paid for itself in less than ten years. As expected, its automation is continually fine-tuned and improved. Some of this plant’s pork is exported to the USA (itself a low-cost producer) unlikely not at a loss. 6
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However, both the High River and Brooks beef plants are over 25 years old; one suspects they are coming to the end of their useful life despite continuous modernization. Perhaps both companies have plans for their plants. The question for the entire Alberta
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taxes and revenue that plant has generated to the beef industry, it was one of the most profitable investments ever made by the Alberta government. One hopes the government has been in discussion with both companies as to their future intentions in this province. Hopefully, our government is ready to offer incentives to build giant new automated robotic processing plants to replace existing ageing facilities. Such hightech plants could be a North American first in meat processing. Considering some of the fall-out from the pandemic, building new plants with less labour and much less worker interaction would be opportune. The last thing Alberta needs is the closure of either big plant and its economic devastation to the cattle and beef industry. If the government hasn’t already done so, it needs to discuss the issue with both companies. It should be proactive in finding ways and means to keep beef processing at the forefront of new plant development in Alberta – just like they did 30 years ago! History needs to repeat itself but in a positive way. (Canadian?) beef industry is do those plans include the future existence of those plants in those locations. Maybe there are secret corporate strategies to close either plant and build massive new automated plants in the U.S. They could then just import live cattle from Alberta. Our feedlots have a long history of transporting countless head of slaughter cattle as far away as Colorado. Depending on the size of new plants, that approach would make sense from economies of scale perspective.
Article courtesy of The Brooks Bulletin
https://brooksbulletin.com/new-big-beef-plantsneeded-government-support-would-help
The downside to that scenario is the overall economic repercussions of closing either plant and the loss of 5,000 much-needed jobs. Remember, the two big Alberta plants, when established, were instrumental in the closing of medium-sized meat processing plants across Canada. Could a couple of massive new U.S.-based plants built by the same companies cause the closure of either of their two Canadian plants? I would suggest that history has a habit of repeating itself. The Alberta government back in the day provided incentives for both plants to be built or expand. In the case of the High River plant, it provided an outright grant of $5 million to lure Cargill to build their plant. Considering the billions of June 2020 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 7 7 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019
MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING CANADA’S FOOD PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING SECTOR COVID-19 has caused significant changes and adaptation in Canada’s food system. As a result, Canadian food producers, processors, and manufacturers have taken on unexpected and exceptional activities associated with risk mitigation measures to be able to maintain Canada’s food production. That is why the Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure the resilience of the food supply chain and to provide support to keep the agriculture sector strong. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has launched the $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund (EPF) as part of the Government of Canada’s action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of COVID-19.
THE PROGRAM WILL PRIORITIZE PROJECTS BASED ON TWO OBJECTIVES: * Emergency COVID Response to assist companies to implement changes required by COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of workers. This funding will assist with: - Plant retrofits or adjustments to existing operations to accommodate changes to processes and production; and Increasing capacity for herd management. * Strategic Investments to assist companies to improve, automate, and modernize facilities needed to increase Canada’s food supply capacity. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, cooperatives and indigenous groups. Activities can be retroactive to March 15, 2020 and must be completed by September 30, 2020. Information on the application process is available through the Emergency Processing Fund or to learn more, contact aafc.epf-fut.aac@ canada.ca or call: 1-877-246-4682.
“Canadian food processors are key to ensuring Canada’s food supply chain is protected during COVID-19, and beyond”, stated Minister Bibeau. “Our Government understands the challenges that Canadian food processors, producers and manufacturers are facing. This Emergency Processing Fund will help our processors to adapt their activities to ensure the safety of their workers, and to increase their capacity of production.” 8 8
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QUICK FACTS * Applications are being accepted (AAFC Emergency Processing Fund) on a continuous basis until 12:00 p.m. (midnight) EDT Friday, July 31, 2020 or earlier if funding is fully allocated before that date. * This announcement builds on the measures we have introduced to keep Canada’s agri-workforce strong, including: * An investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry.
temporary workers with an employer-specific work permit, including in agriculture, to quickly change employers when they find a new job. Workers who used to wait 10 weeks or more to begin a new job, will now only wait 10 days or less. * A pilot project for temporary foreign workers who work year-round in the agriculture industry to have a pathway to permanent residency. * A ‘Step up to the Plate’ employment portal and agriculture jobs recruitment campaign.
* Travel exemptions for all temporary foreign workers, including seasonal agricultural workers and fish/seafood workers. * $50 million to help the farming, fish harvesting, and food production and processing sectors cover the incremental costs of associated with the mandatory 14day isolation period imposed under the Quarantine Act
VEMAG
on temporary foreign https://www.dhenryandsons.com workers upon entering Canada. • An expanded Canada Summer Jobs REPLACEMENT PARTS program to prioritize agri-food workers. • IRCC changes to its process to allow 100TH ISSUE | March/April 2019 June 2019 2020 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 9 May/June
DID COVID-19 DISRUPT TRENDS IN CANADA AG AND By Sébastien Pouliot FOOD TRADE? Principal Agricultural Economist, Farm Credit Canada The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic extend to all sectors of the economy. For ag and food trade, the long-term effects could be important as the COVID-19 pandemic has exemplified the fragility of food supplies that depend on imports. In response, several countries are developing their ag and food sectors to become more self-reliant. Recent data from Statistics Canada gives us a glimpse into the impacts of COVID-19, which could hint toward permanent changes in trade patterns. We examined recent events and trends for selected ag and food products and discuss COVID-19 impacts for April 2020. CANADA BECAME A NET FOOD EXPORTER IN 2019 The COVID-19 pandemic also raised issues about food self-reliance in Canada. Interestingly, Canada now has a trade surplus dollar-wise for food products. But this does not mean that Canada is self-reliant, because the baskets of goods produced and consumed are different, and Canada relies on imports for several food products. In 2016, Canada had an annual trade deficit for food of more than $2.8 billion. That deficit was reduced in 2017 and 2018 and turned into a $100 million surplus in 2019. In Q1 of 2020, Canada had a trade surplus for food of $578 million. This is partly due to seasonality as the trade balance for food tends to be more positive in the winter. From March to April, exports of food dropped by $550 million while imports decreased by $184 million, causing the trade balance to become negative. The COVID-19 pandemic may erase our net food exporter position in 2020 if the April trend continues.
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PORK EXPORTS ON THE RISE Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve not heard as much about the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in China. Hog production is still significantly down, keeping pork prices high in that country. Throughout much of 2019, Canadian pork exporters did not benefit from China’s pork shortage due to China’s import ban. Pork exports to China resumed in November 2019. In Q1 of 2020, exports to China caused Canadian total pork exports to increase by more than $70 million per month compared to Q1 2019. COVID-19 did not put the break on pork exports to China as total pork exports in April exceeded those for the same month in 2019 by $61 million.
TWO STRONG MONTHS FOR CANOLA EXPORTS Starting in March 2019, China customs suspended the licenses of Canadian companies exporting canola to China. The loss of access to the Chinese market was a major blowback to the canola industry, as 40% of canola seed exports in 2018 were to China. But Canadian exporters were able to find new buyers. Nonetheless, exports of canola declined by $1.55 billion from 2018 to 2019.
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TRADITIONAL MARKETS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THERE Along with the trade dispute between the U.S. and China, increasing pressures for self-reliance will alter the international trade landscape. We are likely to see more trade disruptions linked to COVID-19. In the longer term, a concern is that countries who were traditional buyers or sellers of a commodity may no longer be reliable. Market diversification domestically and abroad becomes paramount to reduce the risk of the disappearance of markets.
NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA
Although the licenses of the two major companies who Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing exported canola to China are still suspended, canola foodtoindustry exports China recovered. In March 2020, total canola NSF were International in Canada recently launched a new accredited International Association for Continuing exports about $650 million, a level not observed website - www.nsfcanada.ca give Canada’s growing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, in more than a year and a half. -IntoApril, canola exports beverage easy access food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, wereand stillcomplex strong,food withand $590 millionindustry in shipments despite to the global public health organization’s expertise and regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, the slow-down of port activities because of COVID-19. services in Canada. The website combines information on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF IMPORTS OF CHEESE IN APRIL International Canadian office STEADY with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality.
food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment.
Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing, consulting, technical services, training and education, food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development.
Additionally, the website includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario drinking water programs. Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn 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.
NSF International’s Canadian website provides information on the following services: Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits and certifications, which are integral components of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification 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 industry, GFSI certification and management The agriculture Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic system registration.
and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been in force since Consulting: A full-service teamaccess approach providing dairy 2017. The agreement increased to Canada’s technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range market to European products, notably cheese, for which of food safety and quality services. NSF International the import willproduct rise toinspection 16 milliontesting kg in 2022. providesquota finished for food, packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and
Sinceinsight the adoption cheese imports have to protectof theCETA, brand, technical support services from increased, on-site temporary or permanent technicalstrong staffing steadily and have been particularly placements, and various types of consulting. in the second half of the year. And while starting off slow,Technical they climbed in March and April. Cheese imports services: A one-stop solution for food product and formulation, from concept to finished werecompliance strong in April even though the total demand for product, including food and label compliance, packaging, cheese in Canada declined from the closure of food product and process development, and shelf-life and services. The robust import volumes may reflect earlier product evaluation. commitments or that the demand for the types of Training and education: Training by COVID-19. for the global food cheese imported was not affected
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and beverage industry across the supply chain as an meatbusiness.ca
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TURKEY FARMERS OF CANADA LAUNCHES TWO NEW CONTESTS Turkey Farmers of Canada is taking a unique approach to strategic marketing to reach grocers and consumers. The organization has launched two new campaigns. Both of the initiatives will support the country’s farming and grocery businesses, and offer everyday Canadian shoppers the chance to win epic prizes throughout the month of June.
SHOPPERS’ DIRECT RECEIPT VALIDATION (DRV) CONTEST: Shoppers at participating grocery stores across Canada can upload their receipts to the DRV landing page starting June 15 to be entered to win 1-of-40 $250 VISA gift cards.
Shoppers at participating grocery stores across Canada can upload their receipts to the DRV landing page starting June 15 to be entered to win 1-of-40 $250 VISA gift cards.
THE CONTESTS ARE: WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER
Click thinkturkeycontest.ca for more information.
Turkey lovers can enter this contest throughout June via Canadian Turkey’s social channels for the chance to win one of four grand prizes awarded at the end of each week. Prizes include: CCM bikes, Big Green Egg BBQs and more. 12 12
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Turkey Farmers of Canada is a national organization representing Canada’s 530-plus turkey farmers. Created in 1974 under the federal Farm Products Agencies Act, the organization encourages co-operation throughout the Canadian turkey industry, promotes the consumption of turkey meat, and oversees the supply management system for turkey in Canada.
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WHY CANADA NEEDS AN AGRI-FOOD IMMIGRATION By Kareem El-Assal, Director of Policy & Digital Strategy at CanadaVisa.
Canada has long struggled to find enough workers for it’s nearly $200 billion agri-food industry, which is why its new Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is long overdue. For decades, the country has struggled to find enough workers to support one of its most important industries. The agri-food industry results in $110 billion in domestic sales each year, plus an additional $65 billion in export sales. The industry supports 1 in every 8 jobs in Canada. Talent shortages, however, have stunted the economic growth potential of agri-food. A 2014 study found that there were 25,000 agri-food jobs left unfilled which resulted in $1.5 billion in lost economic output. Due to talent shortages, the agri-food industry has become increasingly dependent on temporary foreign workers (TFWs). Temporary visa holders previously accounted for 1 in every 20 workers within the agri-food industry. They now account for 1 in every 10 workers. They are forecast to account for 1 in every 5 workers within the coming years.
WHY NOT HIRE CANADIANS? One may legitimately ask, why can’t the agri-food industry hire more Canadians rather than relying on TFWs? It’s a good question. The primary reason is that many Canadians do not want to work in the agri-food industry. The work itself can be physically challenging and overtime is often required due to worker shortages. Often, work sites are remote, making the commute fairly time-consuming. Sometimes the work is seasonal in nature, so Canadian workers look for more stable sources of employment. Pay within certain occupations in the agri-food industry is competitive, but there is only so much more that the industry can pay its workers. The reason for that is if it hikes salaries to attract more Canadian workers, it would have to pass on the costs to consumers, who are likely unwilling to pay substantially higher prices for food. Imagine the outrage if Canadians had to start paying $5 per apple, for example. It is also important to remember that Canada is not the only country that faces these challenges. Countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia have also long depended on TFWs to staff their agri-food industries. Further, one needs to understand that it is inconvenient for the Canadian agri-food industry to hire TFWs.
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THE BEST DEFEN A STRONG OFFE PROMOTING THE HEALTH BENEFITS By Ronnie P. Cons
Red meat is often wrongly portrayed as being unhealthy. E some in the media as unhealthy or not environmentally fri 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.
THE AGRI-FOOD IMMIGRATION PILOT IS A GOOD START Each year, employers submit government paperwork to justify why they need to hire TFWs, which is timeconsuming, costly, and also uncertain. Uncertainties include whether the government will approve your application to hire TFWs, and whether TFWs can arrive to Canada in time to support your operational needs. It would be far more convenient and less expensive for the agri-food industry to hire Canadian workers, but relying on them to meet the industry’s needs has proven challenging due to the aforementioned reasons.
meat, animal, greenhouse, nursery, floriculture, and
This providesproduction an opportunity for retail meat departments mushroom occupations. to implement an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional Enabling the industry to access a more stable supply campaign to set the record straight and convince their of labour that will meat help to worker shortages customers andalleviate poultry are actually good for and one’s support growth. health andCanada’s that they economic should increase rather than decrease their purchases of it. The campaign outlined below can have aCanada direct impact on sales: is hoping to increase the industry’s domestic
salesbytodisplaying $140 billion andposters exports to $85 billion by 2025. Start instore promoting the nutritional value of meat. They should be innovative, eye catching and be designedthe to specifically any Pilot meat will myths. The Hopefully Agri-Food contradict Immigration help comments should all be literature based quoting research Canada achieve these targets. papers or MDs for maximum effect. Various posters should be made - each with a brief but powerful message covering one theme. Posters can convey the following healthy meat fact messages: 1. Let’s IRON out the Truth on Meat! “You would need to eat a massive amount of spinach to equal (the iron content) in a steak,” says Christopher Golden, an ecologist and epidemiologist at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (As quoted by nature.com in the article ‘Brain food- clever eating’.)
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Over the next three years, Canada will admit up to 2,750 immigrants per year, plus their family members, under the pilot. Even if Canada welcomes this many immigrants in the next three years, it will not be enough to meet the industry’s needs. We must remember that millions of Canadians will be retiring over the coming decade which will affect every industry, including agri-food. Nonetheless, the launch of the pilot is a good start. Following consultations with the industry, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritized
The line only app meat he Facts’ n and pou educatio Ronnie P. meat and
22 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS September/October 2017 https://www.mmequip.com
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IT’S GOOD, CANADA HIGHLIGHTING THE CANADIAN FOOD SYSTEM AIM OF NEW CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY CANADIAN CENTRE FOR FOOD INTEGRITY
A national campaign to connect consumers to the multifaceted Canadian food system was launched by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), at a time when conversation around food and its availability has dominated media headlines. It’s Good, Canada aims to connect Canadian consumers to the food system, a system that is applauded by countries around the world, working 24/7 to deliver safe, quality, and affordable food to Canadians and our global customers. The campaign features personal stories of Canadians working in the food system from coast to coast to coast, on both the front and back lines along the food supply chain – from farming, transportation, retail, processing, and production. It’s Good, Canada also aims to provide credible resources for Canadians to source fact-based information on Canada’s food supply system. Itsgoodcanada.ca was launched as the home base for the campaign and you can find the campaign as well on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn using the #ItsGoodCanada hashtag. KIM MCCONNELL, CHAIR OF THE CCFI BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
“It’s natural for Canadians to have an interest and questions about food, which touches our lives every day and has been foremost in the minds of Canadians recently,” says Kim McConnell, Chair of the CCFI Board of Directors. “It’s Good, Canada captures the spirit of the agriculturefood industry and delivers on the mandate of the CCFI to earn the trust of Canadians by providing credible, fact-based information and research. Today we ask 16 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 16
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Canadians to take one minute of their day to read a Tweet or post, discover a new food fact, and share it with friends to further the conversation on Canadian food, which we’re so fortunate to enjoy and every day.” It’s Good, Canada has three key objectives: 1. Begin a conversation with Canadians about food. 2. Help Canadians better understand Canada’s food system and how the supply chain works. 3. Unite Canada’s food system participants – from farmer to forklift driver – and the continual commitment required to deliver quality, safe and affordable food.
JOHN JAMIESON, CEO OF THE CCFI
“This campaign will initiate a substantial conversation regarding the Canadian food system, we will discuss topics such as jobs, food pricing, science and technology, climate change, exports – topics that are of interest to Canadians,” explains John Jamieson, CEO of the CCFI. “Consumers may be surprised to learn just how many moving parts are involved in the production, processing, packaging, and delivery of food. At a time when consumers want to understand how they can ensure food is available to them, now presents an opportunity to have a conversation with Canadians.” Canada’s food system has consistently been ranked as one of the safest in the world. The campaign will provide detail on the industry’s assurance programs that have been developed to support health and safety in Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
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The Canadian food system has become DF: I don’t think being on the island a leading economic driver of the has really impacted us negatively one Canadianway economy and We’ve will continue or the other. traveled ato lot, play a pivotal role in building a stronger met a lot of other farmers and livestock Canadianproducers economy. It’s Good, in other parts ofCanada Canada,is and seem toahave the same issues designedwetoallsupport unifying effort to and same concerns. help launch a stronger economy led by a sector that feeds Canadians CMB: I understand thatand yourexports farm the first in Atlantic Canada to be over $50was Billion in agri-food products annually.involved in the TESA program. DF: Yes, I think we were the first farm Ontario as far as I understand. The pasteast fewofmonths have been difficult I’m not sure whyhave the eastern for all Canadians who had to associations wouldn’t have previously adapt and work through significant nominated anybody because challenges. The people supportingthere are many farms here on PEI doing every Canada’s food system have seen their bit as much as we are as to attain a own difficulties but have shown a resolve high level of sustainability. Anyway, and commitment to surprised work 24/7 to the PEI we were very when provide food that isAssociation safe, affordable, and Cattleman’s nominated our available.farm. CMB: And then you were attending the This campaign will recognize thein Calgary Canadian Beef conference dedication over two million Canadians andof you won. who have fed Canadians countless DF: Yeah! That wasand a very nice moment others around fortogenerations for us. the But Iworld don’t like use the and will word continue to do so. 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, For more information, visit I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it. itsgoodcanada.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CMB: So now that you have been itsgoodcanada/ recognized, do you think that will Twitter: draw morehttps://twitter.com/ attention and garner more ItsGoodCanada nominations out of Atlantic Canada Facebook: goinghttps://www.facebook.com/Itsforward? Good-Canada-107689590912900 DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itof good press highlighting the island s-good-canada-39744b1a7/ cattle industry. I’m positive you’ll see #ItsGoodCanada more farms in our neck of the woods nominated next year. And I have to give The Canadian Centre for FoodAssociation Integrity the Canadian Cattleman’s is a national non-profit organization with recognition for choosing a farm from a clearly defined mandate as the service Prince Edward Island. We are small provider to help foodindustry system players in theCanada’s national beef earnand trust by coordinating research, I think it was a real credit to their resources, dialogue, training. CCFI organization to and recognize us. As They gains traction in Canada, the opportunities treated all the nominees royally and it for collaboration industry was a real among class act. It was apartners, wonderful stakeholders, members, and consumers experience. continues to grow. Leading the way in spreading the message of the importance of public trust is key for Canada’s food system and its many opportunities. www.foodintegrity.ca meatbusiness.ca
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SURPLUS FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM IN PLACE The Canadian government has launched the $50 million Surplus Food Rescue Program which aims to move surplus food commodities such as potatoes and other possible horticulture, fish and seafood, and meat through the food system as efficiently as possible to help vulnerable Canadians.
HE SURPLUS FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM HAS TWO CORE OBJECTIVES: * Provide assistance to organizations serving vulnerable populations to acquire and process surplus commodities and food that would otherwise be lost or destroyed and distribute them to populations in need. * Connect surplus food commodities to vulnerable populations to avoid food waste. The program aims to ensure the surplus food reaches vulnerable populations in Canada through the purchase, processing, transportation and redistribution of surplus food. The program is designed to rescue surplus food that may be fresh, frozen inventory or in need of further processing due to its highly perishable nature.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, stated “The Government of Canada is working around the clock to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 on farmers, agri-food businesses and all Canadians. The pandemic has caused significant fluctuations in food demand and supply, resulting in surplus food across our country. We are working hard to help manage and redirect this surplus food to those who need it during this difficult time.” COVID-19 caused significant disruptions to areas of Canada’s food system, as it forced the near closure of the restaurant and hospitality industry in Canada and the United States. Some producers across Canada are left with surpluses of quality food, while increased demand from grocery stores alone is not expected to clear the inventory before it spoils. At the same time, the pandemic has increased the demand for food from food banks and other food security organizations in communities across Canada. 18 18
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DAN VANDAL, MINISTER OF NORTHERN AFFAIRS. “A safe and reliable food supply in remote and Northern communities is critical, not only in a pandemic, but every day”, said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs.
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NEED TO KNOW: * Applications are being accepted until July 15 beginning immediately. * In ongoing consultations with industry and government stakeholders, the program is designed to address urgent, high volume, highly perishable surplus products falling under horticulture, meat and fish and seafood. Priority consideration for surplus commodities that have immediate risk of loss will be determined first. * This announcement builds on the measures we have introduced to keep Canada’s agri-workforce strong, including:
NEW SURREY SLAUGHTERHOUSE ‘WOULD OPEN DOOR’ TO NEW BEEF MARKETS
* Over $77 million in funding for the Emergency Processing Fund (EPF), whose objectives include helping companies implement changes to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families.
“The current crisis has placed increased demand on food suppliers and food banks all across the country. Combined with our increased support through Proposed 30,000-square-foot beef Nutrition abattoir in Cloverdale would be B.C.’s largest such facility North Canada, the Surplus Food Rescue Program will * $100 million for food banks and local food organizations By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News to help Canadians experiencing food insecurity. help ensure communities in the North continue to so as to not emit odours. And while there is an operational A federally licensed beef processing facility is in the works have access to healthy 6,000-square-foot abattoir on the property now, it’s can in Surrey, and BC. affordable food during this * $25 milliona through Nutrition only process limited number of cattle.North to ensure food challenging time.” “There’s a new building coming forward, a new abattoir, I security for Canada’s most vulnerable 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 Eligible applicants include for-profit and not-for-profit seeking a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license for newer facility with a better capacity so people will have * Travel exemptions for all temporary foreign workers, organizations (industry distributors, the proposed abattoir, to become a federally registered the ability groups, to not haveprocessors, to ship an animal to Alberta to have including seasonaland agricultural workersThis and fish/seafood meat establishment expand the operation. would it processed. The applications have gone through the food serving agencies, regional and municipal allow the meat products to be transported beyond B.C.’s Agricultural and Food Sustainability Advisory Committee.” workers. governments and agencies (can include schools or boundaries. The facility is proposed on a 25-acre property within the school boards) that can demonstrate an ability to “Our focus is on trying to bring a more efficient, sustainable Agricultural Land Reserve at 5175 184th St. The planned * $50 million in funding for the Mandatory Isolation handle the full logistical requirements for acquiring, local product to the market, realizing we can do that now 30,000-square foot abattoir in Cloverdale would process up Support Program for said Temporary Foreign to help in a very limited sense,” Les. “I caution peopleWorkers when to 100 head of cattle per day. processing, transporting and ensuring shelf-life stability talking to themfish and harvesting, they say, ‘Whatand a bigfood plant, production that’s going the farming, and According to a city report, that make it larger than of surplus commodities and delivery towould organizations to go allow you to go mainstream.’ Well, yes, if you look processing sectors cover the incremental costs associated any other processing facility in B.C.. But it would still be in the context of B.C., but this is still a very niche plant serving vulnerable populations. small by industry standards, compared to the largest meat with the mandatory 14-day isolation period imposed processing plants in Alberta that process 3,000 heads of cattle per day.
and we’ll serve a niche industry for producers and for the
under the Acttoon market. It’sQuarantine certainly not going betemporary a monstrosity foreign of a plant workers Information on the application process is available but it’ll be a big upgrade from the site currently.” upon entering Canada. The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed through the Surplus Food Rescue Program. Continued on page 32
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PROTECTING CHICKENS FROM HEART DISEASE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN (USASK) RESEARCHER ANDREW OLKOWSKI
The health and welfare of broiler chickens may improve thanks to University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Andrew Olkowski and colleagues.
muscle proteins themselves that is not apparent on light microscopy. When we looked at that using infrared micro-spectroscopy, it was fairly immediately obvious,” says Olkowski. Using the Mid-IR beamline at the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, it was possible to identify misfolded and damaged proteins building up in the heart.
More chickens are raised worldwide than any other livestock animal, so improving their health outcomes would have a big impact. The broiler chickens that are raised for meat were genetically selected to grow extremely fast, but they often suffer from heart diseases. Heart pump failure is a major health and welfare issue for the broiler chicken industry worldwide. Globally, economic losses associated with heart failure problems in broiler chickens amount to more than $1 billion annually. To understand why fast-growing broiler chickens suffer from heart problems, Olkowski and collaborators compared them with their slower-growing broiler counterparts, which have a much lower risk of heart failure, and with Leghorn chickens, which are resistant to heart failure. “I couldn’t see obvious changes that could explain heart pump failure under the microscope, so I thought, maybe it’s some more subtle problem with the heart 20 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 20
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“The synchrotron allows you to see the conformational changes in the proteins, and we hypothesized that the changes we observed must have a physiological impact on heart pump function,” says Olkowski. Further analyses revealed that the chickens had a hard time disposing of these misfolded proteins aggregates, with knock-on health effects eventually leading to health failure. The team’s results, which were published recently in Avian Pathology, suggest that heart issues in fastgrowing broiler chickens might be linked to how their genes respond to epigenetic factors, like nutrition and their environment.
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EMERGING FROM THE PANDEMIC- LONG TERM STRATEGY NEEDED TO ADDRESS CHRONIC LABOUR SHORTAGES BY MARILYN BRAUN-POLLON We’re in a pivotal period in the COVID-19 emergency – many economies are reopening and Canadians are looking forward to getting a haircut, enjoying a patio or revisiting their favourite stores. However, despite the record unemployment numbers, many of these small business owners are now facing significant staffing challenges. While it’s too early to do away with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), it is time to shift gears on the federal support programs to encourage people to rejoin the labour force. Recent discussions with policy makers and work within the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has started to shift from dealing with the immediate emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic and determining the best ways of transitioning to economic recovery. At some point, we need to refocus and start thinking about the long-term vision for agriculture and how we can continue to ensure it is a driver in Canada’s economic recovery.
sector- the shortage of labour. Prior to COVID-19, the agriculture sector already had 15,000 job vacancies. That’s on top of the nearly 60,000 temporary foreign workers or seasonal agricultural workers coming to Canada annually. To be fair, we appreciate the federal government’s hard work and response on this front during the pandemic. They have exempted temporary foreign workers (TFWs) from the travel ban and introduced a $50 million program to help farmers deal with the isolation requirements. In fact, 73 per cent of agri-business owners who hire TFWs say this program will be helpful. The new 3-year Agri-Food Pilot will also help fill ongoing labour needs for full-time, year-round employees in the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock-raising industries. It will also provide a pathway to permanent residence for many temporary foreign workers already in Canada – something the CFIB has long advocated for.
We recognize there is little the federal, provincial and territorial governments can do to solve many of the global market issues facing farmers, however steps can certainly be taken to further improve the policy environment in which agri-businesses operate. Government policies impacting farmers range from municipal, provincial and federal taxation and regulation, business risk management programs (BRM), market access, research and development, innovation, labour, and education. The federal government’s goal of hitting $75 billion in agricultural exports by 2025 needs to be accompanied by a solid plan and serious examination of what may prevent us from hitting this target. As I wrote in my last column, the pandemic has exacerbated an existing issue in the agriculture 22 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 22
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We also know the federal government has worked with provincial governments to encourage Canadians to work in the agri-food industry and on Canada’s farms
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and even provided funding for personal protective equipment in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario.
in the next 10 years. We all need to be prepared for the tsunami of retirements in the industry that is coming.
And while all of these efforts are appreciated, the fact remains that these are short term fixes and many farm businesses will be short of skilled labour during this year’s growing season, harvest and beyond. We are still hearing from farmers that they will not be able to hire as many temporary foreign workers as they usually do. Many have suggested that farmers just need to hire more Canadians who have been laid off during the pandemic. This is easier said than done. According to a recent CFIB survey 84 per cent of agribusiness owners say it is difficult to find Canadian workers with the skills needed to work in their agribusiness. Additionally, 92 per cent say they are worried that if they hire Canadians laid off during the COVID-19 crisis, these workers will leave them mid-season once their employment is restored. The effects of the pandemic on the farming sector are far from over. We know these are extremely stressful and uncertain times in the agriculture sector as the supply chain problems cascade down through the sector all the way to the primary producer. Unfortunately, we also know this will result in fewer farms as a result of COVID-19. According to Sylvain Charlebois at Dalhousie
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the agriculture and agri-food industry employs 2.3 million Canadians or 1 in 8 jobs. In addition, the sector contributes over $110 billion annually to Canada’s GDP. So what is the solution? Governments and industry need to work to tackle this issue and ensure we are doing enough to encourage our youth to enter the industry. How do we fuel this important sector going forward and continue to grow to our potential? We must continue to address the competitive challenges facing the industry s and one of them that is in dire need of attention is the shortage of labour.
Marilyn Braun-Pollon is the Vice-President of Western Canada & Agri-business for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB has 110,000 small and mediumsized member businesses (7,200 agri-business members) across Canada.
University, up to 15 per cent of farms may not survive in 2020. Couple this with the fact that many farms and businesses are worried about succession and retirement planning. In fact, over half (51%) of agribusiness owners say this is a high priority concern for their business. Further CFIB surveys reveal about two in five (41%) agri-business owners are planning to retire 100TH ISSUE | March/April June 20192020 CANADIAN MEAT BUSINESS 23 23
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