Minister MacDonald announces support for the growth of Canadian pork in international markets

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- Pork producers are a cornerstone of Canada's agriculture sector. Expanding market opportunities and promoting the quality of Canadian pork helps strengthen the sector and create opportunities for continued growth.

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $3.8M for Canada Pork (CP), through the AgriMarketing Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to improve market access and consumer awareness, and promote the growth of the Canadian pork sector.

With this funding, CP will promote Canadian pork in new and emerging markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By attending major trade shows, organizing trade missions, and facilitating business meetings, the project will help Canadian exporters build direct relationships with international buyers, reach new customers, and expand export sales to support Canada's economic growth.

In a competitive global market, promoting the Verified Canadian Pork brand will highlight Canada's high standards for quality, food safety, animal care, and traceability. Building this recognition reinforces Canada's reputation as a reliable supplier and helps the sector stay competitive around the world.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting our agricultural sector by helping producers and processors access new markets, build strong global partnerships, and showcase the quality of Canadian products to the world.

Quotes 

"Canadian pork is recognized around the world for its high standards of quality, safety and production. This investment will support the sector's ability to strengthen its position in international markets, create new opportunities for Canadian producers and processors, and contribute to a strong and resilient food system."

• The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canada Pork greatly appreciates the Government of Canada's partnership investing in the future of our industry. Support through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program helps put Canadian pork at the center of the plate both in Canada and around the world. Diversification is core to Canada Pork's mandate, and this investment helps us build and maintain international markets, reach new global customers, and keep our industry strong at home."

• Hans Kristensen, Chair, Canada Pork

Quick Facts

• Established in 1991 by the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council, CP is the domestic and global market intelligence and promotional organization for the Canadian pork industry.
• In 2025, Canadian exports of pork and pork products reached a value of $5.7 billion.
• Approximately 65% of Canada's pork production is exported to about 76 countries annually.
• The top five markets for Canadian pork products in 2025 were the United States, Japan, Mexico, China and South Korea. Together, they account for over 83% of exports in volume.
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. 
• The AgriMarketing Program, under the Sustainable CAP, supports national agricultural sectors to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

Additional Links

• AgriMarketing Program
• Canada Pork

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected] | Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]