The Rural Voice, 1978-11, Page 37Nhat's new with pork producers?
By: R. Jerry Biunm, Executive Secretary,
O.P.P.M.B.
organization which still retained its charter
when the Board was formed. To further
avoid any possibility of "conflict of
interest" a separate company has been
formed at "arm's length" from the
Association.
This organization bearing the ponderous
title of "Pork Oven Restaurant Kitchens
Incorported" but more easily referred to as
"P.O.R.K. Inc." will be opening the first
"Pork Place" at 214 King Street West in
Toronto just next to the Royal Alex
Theatre. They are already operating "The
Pork Pickins" - a fast food lunch counter
type outlet in the newest Knob Hill Food
Terminal in the Dixie Plaza, on the Queen
Elizabeth Highway.
The delegates were given a fully
detailed report on the difficulties created
by the 8 week strike involving Swift's and
Canada Packers'. During this period the
price sagged to a steady $62-$63 and it is
estimated that, on the assumption that the
market would have remained in the $70
range, Ontario pork producers suffered a
loss of over S3 million from lower returns.
Because of the higher runs and good
market conditions, the Board was able to
reduce the marketing service charge from
Whenever hog prices are at levels that
producers can break-even or even make a
small profit, any general meeting of the
delegate body of the O.P.P.M.B. tends to
be a quite affair. Such was the case at the
recent Semi -Annual Meeting of the Ontario
pork producers' which was held at the
Skyline Hotel, Toronto, on September
14th.
Mr. Howard Malcolm, Chairman of the
Board presented a comprehensive report
covering the activities of the Ad-
ministrative and Operating Divisions and
the Standing Committees. He noted that
the Research Committee has been involved
in the many aspects of the "nitrite
controversy" and is also preparing an
extensive brief concerning the use of
antibiotics and the problem of dry residues
to be presented to the "Morrison"
committee.
The main activities of the Com-
munications Committee have been in
liaison with the County Associations.
Training Seminars have been planned for
later this fall. They have also collaborated
with the Ontario Hydro in sponsoring
information seminars on "Energy Con-
servation in the Pork Industry."
The Executive Committee of the O.P.-
P.M.B. which is also the Export and
Marketing Committee is composed for
1978-79 of the Chairman, Mr. Howard
Malcolm; the Vice -Chairman, Mr. Doug
Farrell; the Past -Chairman, Mr. Sid
Fraleigh; and Directors Murray Aberle,
Eric Alderson and Cedric Harrop. One of
the problems they have been wrestling
with is the possible renewal of long term
export contracts with Japan. The present
committments are due to expire this year
and negotiations are under way to find a
satisfactory basis for future contracts. The
maim difficulty is an arbitrary duty
imposing system applied by the Japanese
Government.
The Marketing Committee along with
the Research Group are also involved in an
investigation into a most fascinating trade
passibility. This would involve the air -ship-
ment of fresh Ontario Pork to the Carribean
area and the "back -haul" of tropical fruits.
vergetables and exotic fish products.
Of course, the most eagerly awaited part
of the Chairman's report was the up -date
on the progress being made in the
establishment of a pork specialty rest-
aurant which was approved by the
producers at the 1977 Semi -Annual
Meeting. It was emphasized to the
councilmen that this endeavour was
under rhF auspices of the Ontario Hog
Producers' Associaton, the original grower
1.0% to 0.8% in order to keep the working
capital within the limits imposed by Board
pdicy.
However, the immediate future for the
industry remans bright. Despite higher
runs (up13%) the 1978 average price
should be better than last year and will
probably set an all-time record!
Ottawa Journal reporter
wins OFA media award
Henry Heals. agricultural
writer for the Ottawa Journal. has been
awarded the Ontario Federation of Agri-
culture's media award. OFA president
Peter Hannam made the announcement
recently.
The media award is presented yearly in
recognition of excellence and innovation in
telling the farmers' story to the people of
Ontario.
Mr. Hannam said Mr. Heald's "unique
combination of journalistic experience,
coMbined with a broad understanding of
agriculture" makes him an important link
between the farmer and an ever-increasing
number of urban people. "With this
background, he has been able to interpret
agricultural stories so that they have
meaning for both rural and urban people."
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R. R. 4 Walton
THE RURAL VOICE/NOVEMBER 1978 PG. 37