Kitchener, Ontario – Canada’s turkey industry generates products worth $382.6 million, and up to $42.6 million in exports to 37 countries. Outbreaks of infectious diseases like avian influenza can impact producers’ ability to maintain operations and resume normal business practices, resulting in significant economic losses. The Government of Canada is committed to working with industry partners to develop tools that help farmers manage this risk.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Neil Ellis and Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga Tim Louis, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, today announced funding of up to $559,285 to help Turkey Farmers of Ontario finalize and launch a new insurance product to protect Ontario turkey producers from losses associated with outbreaks of avian influenza.
When fully implemented, this product will help bridge the gap in existing coverage. Specifically, it will cover economic losses resulting from the difference between compensation through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for animals ordered destroyed and their full market value. This may include incremental costs such as cleaning and disinfection, veterinary services, the disposal of feed, and other costs related to the resumption of operations.
This innovative product will help the turkey industry improve its resiliency and ensure Ontario producers are able to resume production as soon as possible when disaster strikes.
Source : Government of Canada