Friday, May 6, 2022

Feds fund emergency response services

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced an investment of more than $3 million for two projects to enhance emergency management, develop risk assessments and to mitigate disease outbreaks.

 Animal Health Canada will receive more than $2.5 million dollars in funding through the AgriAssurance Program for a three-year project to enhance Animal Health Emergency Management in provincial and national associations. 


The project will help enhance the emergency management capabilities of Canada's livestock and poultry industries, to remain ready in the face of adverse events and a continually evolving disease landscape, she said.


Melanie Barnham, executive director Animal Health Canada said "as we enter into the last year of this project, we're excited to continue working with producer groups in Canada to deliver capacity building resources and training to prepare for and minimize the impact of emergencies. "


Swine Innovation Porc will receive more than $446,000 from the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of an African swine fever outbreak and help the industry prepare and manage surplus animals during a potential disease outbreak.


René Roy, vice-chairman of Swine Innovation Porc said past experience has demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness to respond and recover from disruptive events.


Bibeau said producers also have access to the Business Risk Management programs to help them manage risks on their farms.