October 21, 2013

Canada to invest US$2.5 million in poultry technologies, vaccines

The Canadian government is investing CAD2.6 million (US$2.5 million) to help western Canadian poultry producers develop vaccines and increase production capabilities.

The money, from the government's Western Economic Diversification ministry, will be combined with support from the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency and given to the one-year-old Institute for Applied Poultry Technologies. Officials say the investment will increase the poultry industry's international competitiveness.

"Our government is committed to ensuring that Western Canada's agricultural sector has the resources and opportunities to succeed in the global economy and continue creating jobs for Canadians," said Michelle Rempel, the federal government's minister of state for western economic diversification. "We are proud to invest in new technologies that strengthen the productivity and international competitiveness of the western Canadian poultry industry."

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta is home to the largest number of egg producers in western Canada, and the second largest number of chicken producers.

The Institute for Applied Poultry Technologies was formed last year by industry stakeholders and is a non-profit organisation. Its mandate is to research new and cost-saving poultry health technologies that will help prepare for disease outbreaks, reduce costs and improve product quality.

The federal government's money will help the institute develop, produce and commercialise vaccines and other health-related products for poultry. It will also provide enhanced access to advanced diagnostic services and production capabilities.

"By working with an integrated team of scientists, veterinarians, industry experts, producers and the manufacturing sector, the institute will be an incubator for the development of commercial products, tests and applied science," said Tom Inglis, president of the institute's board. "Together we will help to secure a competitive advantage for western Canada's poultry industry."

Officials say the goal is to help the industry meet consumer demands for better food safety and hormone-free poultry.