Overview of ILO issues in Prince Edward Island
Livestock
Hogs
There are approximately 130 hog farms producing 200,000 hogs annually. (http://www.peipork.com/)Many hog farms have moved to confined housing with highly mechanized, temperature-controlled barns. A number of larger operations also produce quality disease free breeding stock to supply animals for local operations and for export as breeding stock. (http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/af_agonpei04.pdf)
In the Fall of of 2006, Natural Organic Food Group along with PEI Pork Plus took over the recently closed Maple Leaf Foods pork processing plant, with plans to move towards total organic pork production on the island. Already as many as 50% of farmers signing up to provide the plant with pork that will be marketed under the "Omega 3," "Natural," or "Organic" label.( http://www.peibioalliance.com)
Within the next few months, several farms will obtain organic certification, providing upwards of 250 organic hogs per week. (http://www.peibioalliance.com)