While the province is planning to ease some of its environmental requirements for new hog barn construction, Manitoba Pork Chair George Matheson feels that Manitoba would still have some of the toughest regulations in North America.

The comment was made in response to critics who were questioning the hog industry's environmental record.

The PC government has stated that it will make amendments to the Environment Act, no longer requiring the use of anaerobic digesters.

With new regulations on the way, Matheson was asked what he would like to see in terms of new hog barn expansion.

"If we could get three to four per cent increase in production every year, just something conservative, it would allow our industry to grow at a responsible rate," he said.

Matheson noted that he doesn't think the recent PEDv outbreak in southeast Manitoba will reduce hog numbers in Manitoba significantly.