Rick Bergmann Q&A

Rick Bergmann has been voted to chair the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) for a second term and he couldn’t be more delighted. He has been running his own hog farm in the south eastern region of Steinbach, Manitoba with his wife since the mid eighties

In that time he has served on the Manitoba Pork Council, acting as the Manitoba representative on the national level. A couple years ago he was asked to run for the chair of the board for CPC. He’ll tell you to be voted for a second term was an honor and represents a considerable obligation, a responsibility Rick does not take lightly because he’s advocating for thousands of pork producers across the nation whom he proudly states produce the best pork in the world. So for Rick it’s all worth while because in his own words, the pork industry is a major economic engine for Canada and to be charged with defending their interests is his greatest joy in serving on the CPC board.

CMB: So let’s get right into it with the WTO ruling coming down. What’s your take on COOL at this point?

Rick: Well, let me put it this way. Producers on our side of the border see, and saw from the beginning that country of origin labeling represents significant trade discrimination. We’ve gone through the WTO process to defend our rights and now the WTO final ruleing for Canada, and Mexico as well, is we can pursue the full amount of retaliatory tariffs. So, now it’s time to get rid of COOL.

CMB: From your standpoint as CPC chairman, how would you sum up the impact to the pork industry as result of mCOOL?

Rick: Well, Cam, let me say this. The exporters of live animals period have really been affected by COOL. And let’s not forget this is a law that many farm groups even in the U.S dislike. I know many American producers that disagree with the country of origin labeling as well. As a matter of fact, right after you and I are done talking, I’m on my way to Florida to meet with the National Pork Producers council, who have been a strong ally with us through all of this. They recognize all the damage that has been created. After all, there are producers in the United States that are just as reliant on Canadian grown pigs to supplement their own herds as we are to export them. And lets not forget the processors who harvest our animals.

CMB: There is a lot of co-dependency that has been strained.

Rick: Exactly. We are a very inter-linked business. It’s unfortunate there are U.S groups more protectionist in nature than others, and they’ve created this country of origin saga that we’ve been dealing with since 2007.

CMB: So, I guess with your position, between all the mCOOL and TPP summits, you’ve done your share of travelling since being appointed.

Rick: Yeah. I’m hoping this is the last trip before Christmas. I’ve been seeing my share of airports recently.

CMB: Okay, so about we shift over to the TPP question.

Rick: sure.

CMB: It feels like there could be some hurdles yet to negotiate before Canada ratifies the deal. There even seems to be some question if were present for the initial signing. Is Japan the jewel for pork exporters much the same as for the beef industry?

Rick: Yes, it sure is. The TPP is a deal that we absolutely can’t afford to not be in. Canada represents a major exporter of pork products. In 2014 we were shipping to ninety two different countries at over four billion dollars. So that is significant and as an participating industry, we really pursue these deals whenever we can, subsequently negotiating and securing trade because we are very dependent on those exports.

CMB: So, of all of our pork production in Canada, how much is allotted for export?

Rick: Well, we typically export over two thirds of the product we produce in Canada. So, that really gives you an idea of the importance of being part of the Trans Pacific Partnership.

CMB: It does. As of today what you say is the prime issue working against pork producers and processors?

Rick: Well, I’m glad you asked this. Right now one of the biggest challenges, or rather threats, that we have is a new mandate that could come to effect from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

CMB: A mandate that specifically impacts the pork industry you mean?

Rick: Yes. They are wanting trucks to be washed in the states commencing January 2016. The problem is to date our producers have done an outstanding job with bio-security on their farms and ensuring their herds remain healthy. And that in itself is a testament to the hard work they do.

CMB: And to their commitment.

Rick: Exactly. And now this regulation CFIA is intent on enforcing will undo that and could potentially create havoc within our pork industry.

CMB: Can you be more specific?

Rick: To date, all swine trailers returning from the U.S. have been cleaned in a very organized, very disciplined wash bay infrastructure where our provinces adhere to protocols that have had a major impact on our bio-security success.

CMB: Yes, right.

Rick: And as we all know PEDv caused millions of dollars damage in the U.S, so we simply can’t afford to risk that coming back to our Canadian herds because they are still not at our bio-security level. And, unfortunately, if this regulation is mandated by CFIA, that represents a big threat for us. So, we’re very concerned with that as an industry and are intent to do what ever we have to to keep the viruses away from our farms. It has been a significant effort for us to see if we can negotiate with CFIA on this.

CMB: So, let me get this straight, does that mean our wash bays are just going to close down?

Rick: Well, no.

CMB: So the issue then is?

Rick:Let me give you an example, Cam. I have a multiplication farm. We sell genetics, and we’re able to do so because of the genetic background of our farm but also because of the high health level of our animals. So, now with trailers coming onto the yard that have come from the states, and now will be washed in the states if this new regulation is passed, will still have to have that trailer washed in a disciplined wash bay for our own protection. So, basically that increases my costs. And if we don’t do that, don’t take that extra step then our business and industry in general is at considerable risk. There are so many viruses that risk herds and we’ve done such a great job to date in Canada with our bio-security standards and enforcement, it would be a travesty if this regulation would be allowed to open the door to all that kind of trouble.

CMB: So, if I’m getting you correctly, if CFIA puts this mandate through, they are basically handing over responsibility of bio-security wash bay operations to the States, then our producers and transporters are going to incur the extra expense to ensure a disciplined wash on this side of the border. Correct?

Rick: Yeah, you nailed it. Right now we know the protocols we follow in our wash bays. We’ve spent a large amount of money on our infrastructure so we know how we thoroughly wash trailers, properly disinfect them, even heat them. We’ll put the cleaned trailer though a heat bay and typically bake them for an hour. And that is the extra step to ensure that no bacteria or virus are still living on that unit. So, again, the degree we go to ensure the health of our herds stays superior.

CMB: And this mandate is still going forward even though the Liberal government is now the majority in Ottawa?

Rick: Well, I’m hoping to meet with Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay very soon. We’ve also asked CFIA to meet with us again. This has been a long standing issue for about eighteen months now, and we’re suggesting they wait on this ruling until a proper game plan is presented.

CMB: Game plan?

Rick: Yeah. The way it is now at the Pembina crossing for example, the provision has been for every swine trailer to be sealed and approved to go to one of our wash bays where proper bio-security protocols are met. That method has worked for us well. And it is unfortunate that we can’t come to terms with CFIA yet, because this plan has been a great solution to keep our farmyards PEDv free over the last year and a half.

CMB: So, no wonder this issue is of particular importance.

Rick: Oh yeah. Last year there was constant exposure and transmission of PEDv and we’ve been working tirelessly for too long now. It is really unfortunate that common sense can’t rule the day on this one. So, we’re really hoping to get a meet with the folks at CFIA and the decision makers and bring forward our concerns and position on the critical importance of herd health and ensuring we continue to maintain our infrastructure and do what we can to protect our herds. Right now, we’re just not on the same page between CFIA and the pork industry.

CMB: That must be frustrating.

Rick: It is, Cam. It is.

CMB: And I’m assuming this regulation is of concern for our neighbor industry south of the border as well.

Rick: Well, yeah, ultimately the domino effect from the CFIA regulation will be felt down there as well. We’re really miffed by this regulation and will do what we can to mitigate our concerns. But it’s a tough one, no doubt about that.