Canada government invests in turkey industry

The Canadian government is investing in the country’s turkey industry by allocating nearly CA$240,000 (US$187,000) to the Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) to assist producers in meeting the highest animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety standards.

Photo courtesy of Iowa Turkey Federation
Photo courtesy of Iowa Turkey Federation

The Canadian government is investing in the country’s turkey industry by allocating nearly CA$240,000 (US$187,000) to the Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) to assist producers in meeting the highest animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety standards.

TFC received CA$98,235 (US$76,512) 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 CA$141,200 (US$109,976) 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.

The allocations were announced at the recent National Poultry Show in London by Member of Parliament for London North Centre, Peter Fragiskatos. He made the announcements on behalf of the government’s Agriculture and Agri-Food ministry. 

“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,” stated Fragiskatos. “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."

According to the ministry, the Canadian turkey industry is a vital part of the Canadian poultry sector, producing turkey products worth CA$412 million (US$321 million) a year and a pillar for growth, job creation and innovation across the country.

"We appreciate the government investment in agriculture,” said Darren Ference, TFC chair. “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."

Also at the poultry show, Fragiskatos announced funding to four other poultry industry entities: Canadian Egg Industry Reciprocal Alliance, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Poultry Insurance Exchange Reciprocal of Canada and Quebec’s L'Équipe québécoise de contrôle des maladies avicoles.

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