Ontario Pork Marketing Board Loses Sales Monopoly

October 14, 2008 – The Ontario Pork marketing board is losing its monopoly, a move which will allow producers to market their hogs wherever they like.

The decision by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission means the Guelph-based board will no longer be the sole marketer of pigs in the province.

The new dual marketing system, to come into effect next spring, will let producers sell through Ontario Pork or market directly to customers.

Breslau, Ont.-based producer Bob Hunsberger says the decision means "more freedom of choice" and is a "good thing for the industry."

He says Ontario's hog industry, faced with a high Canadian dollar and mushrooming feed costs, must improve its productivity.

Hunsberger says he believes allowing farmers the option of direct marketing without having to go through Ontario Pork should lower costs.