Foreign consumers the world over have been bringing in tougher and tougher standards for all food commodities including pork. At the same time, our domestic consumers have become more focussed on food safety and quality issues. The Canadian Quality Assurance program is the key to success in today's global food industry, not only in meeting domestic demand but also gaining a competitive edge in developing new markets and increasing market share in existing markets. The CQA program in my view is a must for all producers and the sooner all producers in Canada are registered and validated the better. The CQA program will let us continue to demonstrate that Canada is a leader in producing safe, wholesome and quality pork.
Canadian producers have a reputation for delivering the best.
In recent weeks, there has been a rise in consumer interest and resistance to food products containing genetically modified ingredients. Consumer backlash has been strongest in Europe but concern also has risen recently in the Pacific region with Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. With experiences such as those just mentioned to draw on, consumers have developed a healthy skepticism. In North America, it is doubtful that the GMO issue will escalate to that of Britain or Europe, however, we have been told to expect major campaigns on this issue in the upcoming year. It is my personal opinion that much of the public fuss about GMO food is misplaced.