The Canadian Pork Council (CPC), which represents over 7,000 farms across nine provinces, has formally re-joined the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), reinstating its role within Canada’s largest general farm organization. 

The CPC originally withdrew from the CFA in 2013 due to frustrations over trade policy, specifically citing a dominance of protectionist positions within the national body.  At the time, the council’s leadership described international trade discussions within the CFA as “contradictory to and compromising of [its] sector’s predominant interest in more liberalized trade,” a stance driven by the pork industry’s reliance on global export markets.   Farms.com

This week’s return comes amid mounting trade pressures, including tariffs such as the 25 percent duties currently imposed by China on Canadian pork.  As global market access becomes more unpredictable, the CPC believes a united front with other commodity groups is essential.

CFA President Keith Currie welcomed the CPC’s re‑entry, noting that it enhances the organization’s ability to speak with a cohesive national voice on key matters—from trade and competitiveness to sustainability and animal health.  The CPC’s participation boosts the CFA’s representation to 28 member groups reinforcing its mandate to advocate for over 190,000 Canadian farm families.  Canadian Pork Council

The CPC’s return underscores the complexity of the trade environment facing Canadian agriculture. By rejoining the CFA, pork producers anticipate stronger leverage in negotiations with trading partners and clearer alignment on national-level trade frameworks.

With market volatility growing, unified national representation is increasingly seen as vital for the pork sector and all of Canadian agriculture.