Bergmann re-elected CPC chairman.   Ottawa-Development of a national strategy to deal with the discovery of African Swine Fever in Canada has continued during the federal election campaign, says the Canadian Pork Council. “We haven't taken our foot off the gas on that issue,” CPC spokesman Gary Stordy said. It consulted with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture Canada during the Oct. 21 election campaign to ensure everyone was ready and agreed to co-ordinated actions in the event the disease was found in a farm pig or a wild boar. Canada took part in the launch of a major initiative earlier this year to keep the disease, which is deadly to pigs but not humans, out of the Americas. Part of the follow-up was to have been the development of federal-provincial action plan on keeping the disease out of Canada and containing it if discovered here. The CFIA was not prepared to discuss progress on the plan in late October because a new government hasn't been sworn into office. That's not expected until Nov. 24. ASF is already established in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia and has decimated the Chinese pig population. In mid-October, CPC held its annual fall members' meeting in Ottawa and much of the time was spent on ASF-related issues especially how to respond if the disease is found in Canada, Story said. The delegates to the conference conducted a table top exercise working out possible scenarios for the possible discovery of ASF in Canada and how the sector would respond to that and minimize its impact on Canada's booming pork export business. As part of the exercise, producers and industry representatives were joined by government officials to discuss possible actions. “Animal health is vital to a strong pork industry in Canada and animal disease is a possibility that we have to contend with,” Bergmann said in a statement. “The pork industry and its government partners are working in close collaboration not only to prevent such an eventuality but also prepare for a disease outbreak.” Another topic during the conference was the ongoing closure of the Chinese market to Canadian port for supposed health violations. Stordy said discussions have continued with Chinese officials on reopening the market. In the meantime, producers are concerned about the impact of lower prices resulted from the lack of sales to China, which was a major buyer of Canadian pork. Another challenge is what to do with a possible surplus of pigs if the disease's discovery here disrupted export markets It was noted that Canadian pork exports to Japan have increased in value to $1.3 billion in 2018 from $6865 million in 2009. The meeting also re-elected Rick Bergmann as Council Chairman and Rene Roy from Quebec as First Vice-Chairman. Doug Ahrens from Ontario is the Second Vice-Chairman and Jack DeWit of British Columbia is Treasurer. Bergman said, “Representing our 7,000 Canadian pork producers at the national level is important and rewarding work, and I thank all the directors on the CPC Board for taking the time away from the farm to advance national issues.” At the same time, Canada Pork International announced the appointment of Trevor Sears as the organization's President and CEO. Sears worked with Maple Leaf Foods for more than 25 years, most recently as director of global sales and marketing. He has been an active executive member of the CPI Board of Directors for several years. “The Board is truly delighted to welcome Trevor to lead the CPI team,” said CPI Chairman Neil Ketilson. “His experience within the pork industry as well as his familiarity with CPI means he will be able to hit the ground running and immediately start work to carry out CPI priorities.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.