BFO Statement on the 2023 Federal Budget

Apr 12, 2023

The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) applauds the Government of Canada’s commitment of $57.5 million over five years to fund a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank, and support for the development of emergency response plans related to the devastating animal health disease. The funding was announced this afternoon during the release of Canada’s Budget 2023. BFO and our allies across the Canadian cattle sector had been calling on the federal government to invest in this critical response measure for the better part of the last two years, and are extremely pleased and appreciative of today’s announcement.

“While an FMD outbreak in Canada would be devastating to our sector, having a dedicated vaccine bank in place to ensure early vaccination and a robust response plan will help us control the spread of the disease, and protect our export markets and the livelihoods of farmers as much as possible,” says Jack Chaffe, BFO President.

In addition to the FMD commitment, Budget 2023 also promises to provide farmers with an increase to the interest-free limit for loans under the Advance Payments Program (APP) from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023/24 program year.

Click here to see more...

Video: Synthetic Microbiota Explained - Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau, from the University of Montreal, explains how synthetic microbiota and bioreactor systems can help researchers study gut microorganisms, evaluate feed additives, investigate Salmonella control strategies, and develop alternatives to animal trials. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Bioreactor models can screen microbiota solutions before animal trials, lowering costs and reducing the number of pigs needed."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau / alexandre-thibodeau-2493a540 is an Associate Professor at the University of Montreal, in Canada, with a PhD in Veterinary Science and Microbiology. His work focuses on swine gut health, food safety, microbiota research, pathogen control, and alternative research models that support animal production and welfare. His research explores innovative strategies to better understand interactions among microorganisms and to improve livestock health outcomes. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.