CPC Appreciates Government Intervention to Open Markets Based on Current and Accurate Information

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 04 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) appreciates the efforts of the Honourable
Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Gerry
Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to lift the bans on pork and
pork products originating from Quebec and Ontario to Russia.

"Opening up markets is critical for the Canadian hog industry recovery;
these efforts support the Ministers' strategic efforts to see the bans
fully lifted in Russia." stated Jurgen Preugschas, Chair of the Canadian
Pork Council. "The pork industry is pleased with the Ministers' and their
departments' hard work to encourage international governments to base
their decisions on current and accurate information,"

"However, there is another critical aspect to industry recovery, and that
is consumer perception." said Mr. Preugschas "With the unfortunate naming
of the virus in the early days as "swine flu", the hog industry was
caught in the cross-fire. Until consumers realize there is no link
between the H1N1 virus and pork safety, we will struggle on our farms,"

The impact of the H1N1 virus on the industry caught the sector when it
was already faced with low profitability as a result of other challenges.
The industry is now working on a transition plan to help the Canadian
sector through this very difficult time.

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is a member-driven, not for profit
national producer association committed to Canadian competitiveness in
the global market. It is the collective voice of Canada's hog producers -
an effective advocate on a broad range of public policy issues that has a
direct impact on Canadian pork production.

Contacts:
Canadian Pork Council
Gary Stordy
Public Relations Manager
(t) 613-236-9239 ext 277
(c) 613-883-0650

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