May 7, 2004
Canada Agriculture Federation Calls For Suitable Compensation For Poultry Producers
Poultry producers affected by avian flu in the Fraser Valley must receive the maximum compensation allowed, the president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture said Thursday.
"The No. 1 priority right now is to make sure that there is a consistent approach to compensating producers for the depopulation of the birds and that that consistent approach offers compensation up to the maximum (allowed)," said president Bob Friesen.
"We want to make sure that the (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) doesn't nickel and dime producers within the caps that have been established."
Friesen met Thursday with national and B.C. poultry producers to discuss the effects of an avian flu that has devastated the poultry industry in southwest B.C.
He said he would pass on the producers' concerns Friday when he talks by telephone with federal Agriculture Minister Bob Speller.
"I'll be asking him to make sure that things are running smoothly and to make sure that the CFIA fulfils the mandate that I believe the minister wants them to fulfil."
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said ongoing surveillance has led to the detection of bird flu on about 40 commercial premises.
The agency said infected birds were also found at 10 so-called backyard lots and all have been slaughtered.
Since Feb. 19, when the agency detected the presence of avian influenza on one farm in the province's agricultural heartland, the virus has spread, primarily in the central Fraser Valley.
While most farms have tested negative for avian flu, officials decided early on to slaughter all 19 million chickens, turkeys and other birds in the valley to try to eradicate the virus.
Most of the 19 million birds seem likely to be found to be free of the virus and will go to market. More than 1.3 million infected birds - and uninfected birds in close proximity to infected ones - will be gassed and incinerated.
Under CIFA guidelines, Friesen said there is a level of compensation available "because this is a reportable disease and they are initiating the depopulation."
"One thing we have to make sure is that farmers are provided with as much flexibility as possible to get adequate compensation within the caps that have been set for poultry."