Producer delegates at Dairy Farmers of Canada's Annual Policy Conference applauded Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz's announcement yesterday that the federal government will invest up to $10 million in dairy research and food safety initiatives.
With dairy producers' contribution of $3 million, a total of $11.7 million will be invested in research into the health and nutritional benefits of dairy products and their sustainable production, including a life cycle assessment of dairy products and improving systems for dairy cattle health and welfare. An additional $995,000 will be invested in dairy producers' Canadian Quality Milk program for on-farm food safety practices.
"This announcement was one more way the government of Canada's supporting the long-term viability of the dairy industry. Canadian dairy producers are pleased to partner with the federal government and universities across the country in the development of the dairy research cluster. It's partnerships like these that stand behind our products, symbolizing our commitment to make sure our milk is healthy, safe and sustainably produced and remains a strong source of pride for all Canadians," said Jacques Laforge, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Under this research cluster, Dairy Farmers of Canada will bring together the best scientific and technological expertise available in universities and research institutions across Canada. It will complement work undertaken in producer-led initiatives like the Canadian Quality Milk Program and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, industry standards set for the care of dairy animals.
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