Canada and the Philippines have agreed on a bilateral African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement, ensuring pork trade continues from disease-free zones while protecting animal health. The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture issued Memorandum Order 77, granting Canada recognition for ASF zoning. This allows imports of live hogs, pork, and related products from ASF-free Canadian regions.
The Bureau of Animal Industry reviewed Canada’s veterinary oversight and concluded that safeguards are sufficient to minimize risk. If ASF is detected, Canada will restrict only the affected areas, keeping the rest of the country open for trade. This targeted approach balances food security with trade continuity.
Safeguards strengthen trade and preparedness
Canada exported USD 279 million worth of pork products to the Philippines in 2024, underscoring the market’s importance. The zoning deal secures this trade while reinforcing Canada’s ASF preparedness strategy. ASF remains a fatal pig disease worldwide, though Canada is currently free of it.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald emphasized the broader significance: “Securing ASF zoning arrangements is an important part of Canada’s preparedness efforts. This work helps maintain market stability for producers if ASF were to be detected in Canada. The Philippines is an important market in the Indo-Pacific region and this arrangement strengthens our cooperation and supports Canada’s broader efforts to keep supply chains open and resilient.”
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr confirmed the arrangement’s role in bolstering food security. Both governments highlighted the importance of science-based safeguards in sustaining trade.
Industry welcomes bilateral recognition
Canadian industry leaders praised the agreement. René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council, noted: “The work done by both countries in this arrangement will help ensure greater food security for the Philippines and a science-based approach to resolving this challenge – one we hope never impacts Canadian pork producers.”
Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council, added: “We congratulate Minister Heath MacDonald and the Canadian officials who helped make this happen, and we congratulate the Philippines for their work in ensuring they are satisfied with our preparations and planning for African Swine Fever, should it ever reach our shores.”
The Canadian Pork Council stressed that zoning provides assurance for trading partners and supports producers by limiting the impact of potential outbreaks.
Expanding global cooperation
Canada now has ASF zoning arrangements with seven partners: the US, the EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Together, these markets represent nearly 40% of Canada’s pork export value. This network reduces potential trade disruptions and strengthens resilience across global supply chains.
The arrangement highlights Canada’s commitment to science-based trade and the Philippines’ effort to secure food supplies. Both countries view the agreement as a model for balancing disease preparedness with international cooperation.