April 4, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Canada's hardworking farmers are the backbone of Canada's economy, particularly
in rural communities, and ensure families across Canada, and around the world, have
safe, high-quality food on their tables. The Canadian turkey industry is a vital
part of the Canadian poultry sector, producing turkey products worth $412 million
a year and a pillar for growth, job creation and innovation across the country.
Member of Parliament for London North Centre, Peter Fragiskatos, on behalf of the
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, announced today at the
National Poultry Show in London an investment of almost $240,000 to the Turkey Farmers
of Canada (TFC) to assist producers in meeting the highest animal welfare, biosecurity
and food safety standards.
TFC received $98,235 to conduct the final government recognition stages of its On-Farm
Food Safety Program that will help enhance the credibility of production practices
with buyers, stakeholders and consumers.
An additional $141,200 was provided to amend TFC's current Flock Care Program which
enables the turkey industry to demonstrate adherence to national standards for animal
welfare, and provides buyers and consumers with the assurance that all animal welfare
standards are met and up to date.
Quotes
"Turkey has long held a place of honour at Canadian dinner tables. Consumers more
than ever are asking our farmers to respect the highest of standards of food safety
and animal welfare. This investment will help the turkey industry meet these demands
and continue to offer families across Canada turkey products that are of the highest
quality and safety." - Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"These food safety and animal welfare programs being run by the Turkey Farmers of
Canada give their customers the confidence that Canadian turkey products are of
the highest quality and safety. The investments announced today will help support
the local economy of the London area, where many poultry farmers are located and
supporting well-paid middle class jobs." - Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament
for London North Centre
"We appreciate the government investment in agriculture. Canadian turkey farmers
will use it to continue earning and keeping public trust. More consumers than ever
want to know where the food they eat has been produced. We want to continue building
their confidence in our great Canadian product. That's why this government investment
is important. TFC's On-Farm Food Safety and Flock Care Programs are continuously
updated and improved, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the proper care of
our birds and providing safe, high quality food for Canadians." - Darren Ference,
Chair of Turkey Farmers of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Turkey Farmers of Canada represent more than 500 producers in eight provinces.
- In 2016, Canada exported over 9.2 million poults (young turkey) worth $35.9 million
to 7 countries. The United States was the largest market (96% in head count) with
exports also to Japan, Chile and Guatemala.
- This investment was made through the Assurance stream of the AgriMarketing Program
under Growing Forward 2.
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