Last week, the Province of Manitoba announced more than $100 million in targeted support to protect key industries, including agriculture, that are facing increased disruptions in the international marketplace, including uncertainty with our largest trading partner, the United States. Manitoba Pork welcomes this announcement and commends the Province for their actions to protect key sectors.

“Manitoba Pork has been collaborating with the Province of Manitoba to develop programming that will help increase the number of hogs finished in Manitoba and increase value added processing here at home,” said Cam Dahl, Manitoba Pork general manager. “Measures announced, including enhanced Diversification Loan Guarantee Program, the Operating Credit Guarantee Program, and support for market development reflect these discussions.”

“In addition to helping support trade diversification efforts and increased value-added processing in Manitoba, the measures announced will support jobs in both urban and rural parts of Manitoba and help provide economic stability to our communities,” Dahl added. “We want to commend the Province of Manitoba, particularly Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Minister Jamie Moses for their efforts to insulate Manitoba businesses from the threats of tariffs and global uncertainty.”

Key measures that the Province has announced that will be beneficial to the agriculture sector include:

• increasing the Operating Credit Guarantee Program to $3 million;
• increasing the guaranteed portion of loans under both the Operating Credit Guarantee Program and Diversification Loan Guarantee program to 33.33 per cent from 25 per cent;
• increasing the loan amount above which treasury board approval is required under the Diversification Loan Guarantee Program to $5 million from $1.5 million.

Manitoba Pork continues to engage with partners across the United States to impress the importance of an integrated North American hog sector upon federal, state, and local officials. Several engagements have taken place over the last number of months, with more to come before the end of the calendar year.

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Manitoba Pork is the representative organization for all pork producers in Manitoba. Our mission is to foster the sustainability and prosperity of the hog sector for the good of pork producers and all Manitobans.

For further information:

Joey Dearborn

Communications Manager, Manitoba Pork

(204) 232-4916

jdearborn@manitobapork.com