Buying Quebec pork also means:
- purchasing wholesome meat free of pathogens and antibiotic residue or other contaminants
- buying meat with no added hormones, which are prohibited in Canadian pork
- using one the safest supply chains in the world, representing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs
- encouraging an industry that adheres to strict animal health and welfare standards
- encouraging an industry that is committed to social responsibility based on the principles of sustainable development and social acceptability
- buying pork with one of the world’s lowest carbon and water footprints
Did you know?
Quebec’s pork industry has created over 38,000 jobs locally, generating $3.7 billion annually in added value to Quebec’s economy.
High quality standards – certification programs
The three pillars on which Quebec’s pork industry is founded fall under Canadian Pork Excellence, a national banner that has updated and merged the CQA®/ACATM programs, which had each already been in place for several years.
Quebec pork food safety
Quebec pork is subject to the PigSAFE program, which guarantees food quality and safety, based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. One of this system’s most important aspects concerns prevention. Upgrades have been ongoing since 2019 to gradually replace the CQA® program, which is based on the same HACCP system. The system’s primary objective is to identify any possible food safety issue as well as strategies that will minimize potential risks.
Quebec pork traceability
Quebec’s pork industry makes use of the PigTRACE program to improve their emergency response, should the need arise. If a food safety issue or foreign animal disease outbreak occurs in the hog sector, traceability gives animal health and food safety officials the tools they need to quickly and efficiently contain the problem and correct the situation.
Quebec pork animal care
Quebec’s pig farmers are concerned about their animals’ welfare and make every effort to comply with best husbandry practices. Through the PigCARE program and its mandatory certification, pig farmers demonstrate their commitment to providing the best care for their animals. Upgrades have been ongoing since 2019 to gradually replace the Animal Care Assessment (ACATM) program. The PigCARE program is based on the latest scientific research and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs.
Social responsibility – our ongoing commitment
Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec is committed to continuous improvement and formal accountability. Quebec pig farmers and some thirty partner organizations and companies were consulted about their views on priority issues. This approach to social responsibility hinges on five principles. When it was launched in 2014, it received a unanimous motion of congratulations from the Quebec National Assembly.
Environmental stewardship
Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec continuously strives to lead the way on environmental issues. As a result, Quebec pork is now considered to be a meat with one of the lowest carbon and water footprints in the world. Setting the trend for low impact husbandry.
Animal welfare, animal health and food safety
Quebec’s pork producers are responsible for providing quality meat also while providing better conditions for their animals. Husbandry practices and infrastructure must therefore be adapted to better meet growing consumer expectations and help provide a living space conducive to animal welfare.
Staff wellness and community relations
Recognizing the importance of a shared environment, farmers continue their efforts to build relationships with their communities, partners and the next generation. They also work to promote their industry and retain their employees. More than ever before, the farmers need to develop sophisticated human resource management skills.
Economic performance
Pork producers’ economic performance is directly tied to their decision-making and management practices, both on the farm and within the industry. They must have sufficient leeway to invest and modernize in order to continue develop and grow in innovative ways.
Governance
In their commitment to working with a democratic, representational and dynamic organization, Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec have adopted a governance model based on the following key principles:
- Transparency and accountability
- Ethical and proactive decision-making
- A motivational participatory approach
Goodand local
Buying Quebec pork is a wise choice that boosts the local economy and promotes the expertise of Quebec pig farmers.
See more