Extreme weather events and natural disasters are a growing threat to the safety and economic stability of Canadian communities. To support the resiliency of country’s agriculture and agri-food sector throughout these difficult times, it is imperative that producers and processors have access to the resources they need in the face of emergencies.

“Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity to review our emergency preparedness plans in the agricultural sector. The weather events of the past year and the avian flu we are currently experiencing are some examples of the many kinds of challenges agricultural producers must be ready to face. Our government continues to improve its practices, invest in prevention and support those who ensure our food security.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Funding for the two recipient organizations will help the sector increase its capacity to face emergencies. The recipient organizations include:

• Animal Health Canada (formally known as National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council) in Elora, Ontario will receive up to $2,572,888, for a three year project under the AgriAssurance Program to enhance Animal Health Emergency Management in provincial/national associations. This 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. Outcomes include addressing lessons learned from previous animal health emergencies, improving protocols, and developing training and resources.
• Swine Innovation Porc will receive up to $446,135 under the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program, to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of an African swine fever outbreak on the pork sector. This will help the industry prepare for a potential disease incursion and help manage surplus animals in the event of an outbreak.

“This dedicated funding for emergency management and risk assessment in the agriculture sector is a step forward that will benefit the industry, while helping our hardworking farmers and producers who feed Canadians stay prepared for future emergencies. As we mark Emergency Preparedness Week, a dedicated focus on being prepared across sectors will make Canada more resilient to the threats that exist, both globally and domestically.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

Producers also have access to a comprehensive suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage risks that threaten the viability of their farms. AgriStability, one of the BRM programs, protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, disease outbreak, increased costs and changing market conditions. To allow farmers more time to sign up and take advantage of the support available under the program, governments recently agreed to extend the deadline to enroll to June 30, 2022.

This year’s theme is Emergency Preparedness Week: Be Ready for Anything, which highlights the importance of being prepared before disasters strike. The Government recognizes the challenges our agriculture sector has endured and will continue to work with industry partners to invest in tools and resources that help prepare for emergencies in the future.

“Past experience has demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness to respond and recover from disruptive events. The Swine Innovation Porc welcomes the support of the Government of Canada in supporting new initiatives to develop innovative methods to face food supply threats such as African Swine Fever outbreak.”

René Roy, Vice-Chair Swine Innovation Porc

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Both leaders acknowledged that food and food products are essential to safeguarding the
health of our citizens and stressed the importance of reliable food production systems. They confirmed their continued support of the integrated supply chain.

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker program is mutually beneficial: it provides needed support and labor to Canadian farmers and processors and creates wages for Mexican families. Minister Bibeau reiterated that Canada will continue to work with Mexico to facilitate further work opportunities through the Temporary Foreign Workers program while respecting Canada’s public health guidelines to ensure the health of all workers and halt the spread of COVID-19.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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The two leaders emphasized the importance of agricultural trade for food security, and the
continued collaboration between our two countries to facilitate integrated supply chain
and to safeguard the health of industries and citizens.

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Dr Brassard, a food and environmental virologist based at Agriculture and Agri Food Canada‘s Saint Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre says:

“Our immune systems are very complex, yet some viruses can effectively bypass them and make us sick so quickly. The more I learn about them, the more fascinating I find them.”

Dr Brassard and her team use a one health approach that looks at the big picture of diseases and how viruses travel between humans, animals and the environment. That is because many viruses naturally circulate among animals, humans and the environment, including water. For example, the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in pigs worldwide. The pigs are not affected by the virus but act as a host. The virus can be transmitted to humans who eat contaminated under-cooked meat. While the risk of contracting the disease is low in Canada, its potential for harm means that finding the best measures to reduce the spread of the virus continues to be important.

Dr. Brassard’s team is working hard to discover the sources of HEV, how it spreads, and how it survives. Their research will help teach people how to control HEV — in barns, abattoirs or barbecues.

“Farmers and others in the agri-food industry face many challenges as they work hard to keep our food safe. I feel privileged to be able to support them by providing new knowledge, scientific advances and innovations to protect people, animals, our food industry and our economy.”

says Dr Brassard.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, traveled to Winnipeg to participate in the CropConnect Conference — Manitoba’s top crop production and farm management conference — to engage with farmers and industry stakeholders. She also met with Manitoba Agriculture Minister Blaine Pedersen to discuss key agricultural issues and priorities for the province.

During her visit, Minister Bibeau met with grain farmers and recognized that 2019 has been difficult for them as a result of bad weather, but also rail and trade disruptions. The grain sector is an important driver of Canada’s economy and a key priority for the government. The Minister reiterated that she will continue to work with her colleagues across the government and with her provincial partners to find the best ways to support farmers, not only for 2019 but for years to come.

While in Manitoba, she was pleased to announce funding to Canada Grains Council to develop the first-ever code of practice which will help grain farmers tell their story of environmental sustainability and high-quality grains to consumers and to our global customers.

The Minister also had the opportunity to meet with Manitoba pork producers and discuss how they will continue to work together to protect and strengthen their sector. Minister Bibeau reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diversify Canada’s agri-food trade and announced funding for Manitoba Pork Council to help pork producers in the province manage risk during times of financial pressures on their businesses.

While in Manitoba, Minister Bibeau had discussions with the Keystone Agricultural Producers’ (KAP) Young Farmers committee about their valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing them and the importance of taking part in the decisions that affect their future. She encouraged them to apply to be part of the first Canadian Agricultural Youth Council that will help shape the future of the sector.

Source: AAFC 

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Ms. Hayes has held the position of Commissioner of the CDC since 2017. Mr. Ingratta’s recent professional experience includes being the Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Milk Marketing Board for over five years.

In 2016, the Government of Canada implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, to search for Canadians who reflect public sector values of respect for democracy, people, integrity, stewardship, and excellence.

“The CDC is expected to deliver on many fronts in the coming year, and strong, experienced leadership is required. Both Ms. Hayes and Mr. Ingratta’s depth of knowledge and experience in agriculture and corporate governance will be valuable assets to the CDC. I look forward to working closely with them over the course of their terms to ensure the prosperity of Canada’s dairy sector. I also want to thank Mr. Johnston for his years of service at the CDC.”

– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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