Government of Canada Supports a Strong and Competitive Canadian Dairy Sector

 

The dairy sector is an important contributor to Canada's economy. Canada's dairy sector drives our economy with nearly $24 billion in sales by farmers and food processors. Canada's dairy farmers' prosperity helps ensure Canadian families continue to benefit from high-quality products, and helps create good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. 

 

Speaking today at the Dairy Farmers of Canada annual policy conference, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, highlighted the importance of a strong and competitive dairy industry and provided participants an update on the Dairy Farm Investment Program (DFIP) – the $250 million federal program announced on August 1, 2017. The Minister announced that to date, over 500 dairy producers have been approved for funding support valued at over $23.5 million, in a wide array of projects from small investments in cow comfort equipment to large ones for automated milking systems.

 

Applications under the associated $100 million Dairy Processing Investment Fund are under review and projects under this program will be announced shortly.

 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.