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Federal cull breeding swine program to begin April 14th

April 9, 2008

Ottawa, ON  – Canadian hog producers can apply for compensation under the Cull Breeding Swine Program as of April 14th, 2008.

That's when the $50 million program, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and delivered by the Canadian Pork Council, will start accepting applications.

The Cull Breeding Swine Program will help the industry restructure by facilitating the reduction of Canada's swine breeding herd (sows, boars and pregnant gilts) by approximately 10 per cent.

Qualifying producers, subject to application approval, will receive $225 per breeding swine culled after April 14th. Reimbursement will be made for costs of slaughter and carcass disposal.

A payment of $225 per breeding swine less the selling price will be available for approved producers that sold animals from November 1, 2007 until April 13th, 2008 (receipts and supporting documents required).

"The timing is critical for this strategic support from the federal government,"

says Clare Schlegel, president of the Canadian Pork Council. "Our industry is in dire straits and this restructuring initiative is a good place to start on the road towards a healthier, competitive Canadian swine industry."

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with producers to deliver solutions at the farm gate. Industry told us they were willing to adapt to the current situation, but producers needed help to make changes to their operations," says Minister Ritz. "We are working hard to bring the sector in line with market realities and ensure its long term viability."

To participate in the program, approved producers must not sell potentially eligible breeding stock through commercial channels after April 14th, agree to depopulate an entire breeding barn and commit to not housing swine breeding stock in the same barn for three years. Options for disposal of breeding stock through this program will be outlined on the application.

Application for the Cull Breeding Swine Program (and all required supporting

documents) will be available as of April 14th on the Canadian Pork Council website at

www.cpc-ccp.com. Producers can also contact their provincial pork producer

association for copies of the application. As of April 14th, a toll free number at 1-877-655-2567 will be staffed to answer producer questions about the application process.

The Canadian Pork Council serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization's purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.