Canadian Pork Council Chair Rick Bergmann says he enjoyed representing, and in some cases defending, Canadian pork producers in 2017.

He noted trade was a big factor this year, adding the Trans Pacific Partnership will be important moving forward considering the large amount of pork that's expected to be produced in North America over the next few months.

"It's very critical for us as a country, as pork producers in Canada, to ensure that there's strong trade agreements in place around the world so we can continue to bring prosperity to our farms, but also to the country."

Bergmann says he's also hoping for positive news regarding NAFTA, adding producers on both sides of the border depend on a strong NAFTA agreement.

He cites agreements made with China and Argentina over the past year have also benefited Canada's pork sector.