Governments Invest In Improved Biosecurity

Ontario farms will have more help to remain healthy and competitive thanks to the Governments of Canada and Ontario’s investment in the implementation of national biosecurity standards.

The Agricultural Biosecurity Program will receive more than $3 million to help the industry build awareness among producers about the benefits of implementing biosecurity measures on their farms.  This may include training, studies and applied pilot projects.

Improved biosecurity can help reduce the risk of disease, pests and pathogens that can financially impact producers and the industry as a whole. 

QUOTES

“Farmers have a long-standing history of using preventive measures as a means of keeping animals healthy on Canadian farms. This program will help farmers stay on the cutting edge of good biosecurity practices – ensuring the health of their animals, sustainability of their farm business and strength of the industry as a whole.”   
— Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent–Essex, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

“Improved biosecurity measures protect herd and plant health and promote the economic viability of the farm and the agri-food sector. Taking precautions to prevent disease from coming onto farms is one of the best investments producers can make.”
— Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

QUICK FACTS

• Canada and Ontario will fund the Agricultural Biosecurity Program for Ontario’s livestock and plant sector associations through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative to support the development of a profitable, innovative agriculture sector that is adept at managing risk and responsive to market demands.
• The program will be delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

LEARN MORE

Backgrounder

Read about the Agricultural Biosecurity Program

Find out more about Growing Forward in Ontario

Learn more about biosecurity in Ontario

For more information:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Media Relations
613-773-7972 /1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch, Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Kelly Synnott, Office of the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
416-326-6439

Brent Ross, OMAFRA Media Contact Officer
416-326-9342