Advocating for Pork Producers

Our province’s pork producers raise more than 2.8 million pigs each year, and the pork industry as a whole supports over 19,000 jobs that contribute $1.6 billion annually to Alberta’s economy. Our role is to make sure producer priorities are heard at every level of government and that policy decisions reflect the realities of modern pork production.

Through meetings, letters, and direct engagement with Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Municipal Governments, Alberta Pork advocates for practical, evidence-based policies that protect producers’ livelihoods, promote market access, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of our industry and the communities we live in.

Advocacy Priorities

Alberta Pork is calling for action in three key areas to strengthen food security, support economic growth and protect the future of rural communities.

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Trade and Market Access

Why it matters:
More than 60 per cent of Alberta’s pork production is exported. Trade disruptions can quickly lead to lost revenue, reduced competitiveness and increased pressure on producers, processors and rural communities.

Our priority:
Ensure pork remains a priority in Canadian trade policy. This includes protecting access to key export markets and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers that place Alberta producers at a disadvantage.

Business Risk Management

Why it matters:
Pork producers face risks beyond their control, including rising input costs, animal disease threats, market disruptions and supply chain instability. Effective and responsive risk management programs are essential to maintain confidence, encourage investment and support the sector’s long-term viability.

Our priority:
Strengthen business risk management programs and improve access to insurance, compensation and recovery support when extraordinary events threaten farm operations.

Animal Health

Why it matters:
An outbreak of a foreign animal disease such as African swine fever could have serious consequences for animal health, farm operations, trade, food security and public confidence. Strong prevention and response measures are essential to protect herds and limit widespread economic disruption.

Our priority:
Invest in animal disease prevention, preparedness, rapid response and recovery. Key areas include African swine fever planning, on-farm biosecurity, swine traceability, disease surveillance and the control and eradication of wild boar at large.

Building a Stronger Future

Alberta’s pork sector supports rural communities, provides high-quality food and contributes to Canada’s export economy.

Timely action on these priorities will protect animal health, give producers greater stability and help ensure a resilient pork sector for years to come.