Investment to bolster poultry industry

The federal government has made an investment in the poultry industry, which it says will be a benefit to producers and consumers.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says it has invested $1.8 million to bring together scientific expertise from academia, industry and government to address sector priorities and challenges concerning poultry health, food safety and quality, and production practices.

The Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC), which represents poultry organizations across Canada, will manage the investment.

Research will focus on strategies to enhance poultry health and welfare, new production practices, and innovative products including new vaccines to protect birds and people from diseases such as clostridia, salmonella, and avian influenza.

By gaining a better understanding of diseases and developing alternative treatments, the industry will continue to provide nutritious and safe poultry products.

The CPRC says the initiative will focus a wide range of intellectual and financial resources on key issues faced by the poultry industry and calls it “a significant step” towards strategic investment in the future of the poultry sector.

The Canadian poultry industry contributes significantly to the economy, generating farm gate receipts of over $3.2 billion in 2009 for all egg and poultry products.