February is Pork Month

Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Marketing, today recognized February as Canadian Pork Month and commended Nova Scotia pork farmers for continually producing some of the leanest hogs in Canada.

"Our hog farmers are regarded as some of the best in the world for producing high quality, lean hogs," said Mr. Fage. "Our hog and processing sectors make major contributions to the economy. Nova Scotians should be proud of our hog sector and celebrate during February and all year by asking for and buying locally produced pork products."

This is the second year that February has been designated Canadian Pork Month. The pork industry spearheaded having a month dedicated to its sector as a way to highlight the taste and versatility of pork in cuisines around the world. According to U.S. consumption statistics, pork is the most popular meat in the world.

Over the past few years, through improved breeding and feeding practices, a revised grading system and better fat trimming from processors, pork has developed a reputation as a lean, healthy product. In fact, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has recognized the progress hog farmers have made in significantly reducing the fat content in pork. The foundation has included pork in its Health Check Program that helps consumers make food choices low in fat and high in fiber. An average 100 gram piece of trimmed pork has 139 calories and only five grams of fat.

"The Nova Scotia hog industry is innovative and progressive," said Lester Palmer, Chairman of Pork Nova Scotia. "Our producers take great strides to focus on consumer needs and desires for leaner meals."

Nova Scotia's pork industry consists of 93 commercial producers. On average, the sector generates over $30 million in sales each year. Over 1,500 Nova Scotians are employed directly and indirectly by the province's hog sector in primary production and processing. Agriculture is a $1-billion-a-year industry in Nova Scotia and supports 16,000 direct and indirect jobs.