By Jennica Klassen
Editor’s note: Jennica Klassen is Communications Manager, Canadian Meat Council (CMC). She can be contacted at ‘jennica@cmc-cvc.com.’
From coast to coast to coast, the Canadian red meat sector supports rural communities, sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes billions of dollars in economic activity. Whether it’s raising livestock, processing meat or transporting and selling Canadian products around the world, the supply chain is vast and vital. But this success isn’t without its challenges, especially in the face of mounting trade pressures from the U.S.
Recent developments in U.S. trade policy, including new tariffs and regulatory shifts, have created significant headwinds for the industry. These changes risk restricting access to our largest export market, creating uncertainty for producers and processors alike. For industries as interconnected as pork and beef, the ripple effects of disrupted trade can be felt all the way from farms to grocery store shelves.
That’s why now, more than ever, Canada’s red meat sector must present a unified front. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) have taken this challenge head-on, working closely together to ensure Canada’s interests are clearly and consistently represented on the global stage. These two national organizations have led coordinated advocacy efforts aimed at protecting and strengthening trade relationships, particularly with the U.S.
Chris White, CEO, CMC and Canada Pork, reiterates the importance of collaboration. His message is clear: our industry is stronger when we speak as one.
“When leaders from across the industry come together with a shared purpose and vision, our message is stronger, our advocacy efforts are more effective and our impact is greater,” said White. “Through close engagement with the federal government, CMC and CPC will continue advocating for reduced restrictions and trade barriers for Canada’s red meat industry.”
This unity is more than symbolic; it’s strategic. Representatives from both CMC and CPC, including staff and board members, have traveled extensively in recent months to meet with key trade partners in the U.S. In Washington, D.C., we’ve engaged in multiple discussions with the offices of Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; Amy J. Klobuchar, Senator of Minnesota; Tim Sheeny, Senator of Montana; Kevin Cramer, Senator of North Dakota; Randy Feenstra, Congressman of Iowa; and other important partners.
In addition to engaging with key political offices, CMC and CPC have maintained continuous contact with agricultural groups and counterparts. They also hosted an event at the Embassy of Canada to the U.S., in collaboration with the U.S. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
These missions aren’t just about protecting trade access but about forging new opportunities and demonstrating the competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian red meat.
In China, similar efforts have been made to re-establish and grow market access. To better highlight the importance of maintaining Canada’s presence in global markets, and in light of the ongoing tariffs on pork and other agricultural products, a new Canadian Meat Advocacy Office will be opening in Beijing. The need for a strong, dedicated presence in China has never been more critical.
René Roy, Chair, CPC believes in the power of this partnership.
“By working collaboratively with CMC, we present a united front to advocate for the priorities of the Canadian pork sector,” said Roy. “Our discussions underscore the urgent need to address challenges like ASF, expand trade opportunities and support labour needs. These are priorities that are crucial for sustaining and growing our industry.”
Labour remains one of the most pressing concerns across the red meat supply chain. Processing facilities across the country are struggling to recruit and retain enough skilled workers to meet production demands. Without consistent access to labour, even the best export opportunities are difficult to seize. Both CMC and CPC have emphasized this point in conversations with decision-makers, calling for immigration and workforce solutions that reflect the realities of the sector.
Trade access, labour and regulatory cooperation are deeply interconnected. Through collective action, the industry can work towards ensuring that Canadian pork and beef remain competitive on the global stage. Whether it’s lobbying on Parliament Hill, participating in multilateral trade dialogues or engaging with U.S. regulators, CMC and CPC are working in tandem to ensure the sector’s voice is heard and is impactful in its messaging.
A collaborative approach also sends a powerful signal to decision-makers. Collaboration between organizations demonstrates a united industry with clear priorities and a strong commitment to finding solutions.
“Our constant joint advocacy efforts showcase the power of collaboration, allowing us to effectively address issues impacting both producers and processors with a unified industry vision,” said White.
At a time when global competition is fierce and international markets are anything but guaranteed, Canada must maintain a cohesive voice and clear message. The industry must stay united across commodities, across regions and across the supply chain. Because when Canadian red meat industry stands together, the entire country benefits.
