The Ontario hog marketing monopoly isn’t disappearing without a fight.
A London-area hog producer is appealing an Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission decision to break the monopoly of Ontario Pork, which markets all Ontario hogs.
“The commission erred when it allowed the July 2008 hearing to become focused on producer choice instead of the ability of Ontario Pork to deliver valuable marketing services to all market hog producers,” said Elbert van Donkersgoed, who is representing farmer Rein Minnema.
The decision to break the hog monopoly came after hearings last summer.
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The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was $81.21 Sept. 17. It was $78.37 Sept. 9. U.S. hogs averaged $106.71 on a carcass basis Sept. 17, up from $106.10 Sept. 9.
On Oct. 6, commission chair Elmer Buchanan said breaking the monopoly did not have to mean the end of the marketing board.
“We believe we have made a balanced decision that provides flexible marketing options for Ontario pork producers,” said Buchanan.
“At the same time, we have brought fairness to all producers who benefit from the hard work the board does on their behalf, and we encourage the board to focus its efforts on the future stability and competitiveness of the sector.”
The commission then announced the creation of a committee to help with the transition.
Minnema is appealing the commission decision to the province’s Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal.
He wants the tribunal to instead allow farmers to vote on the idea so that the majority can rule.
“The fact that a small number of producers want to opt out of Ontario Pork’s marketing services or want special arrangements is not evidence that the majority of producers of market hogs no longer need or support Ontario Pork’s authority to control hog marketing,” said van Donkersgoed.
