Quebec City, Quebec - The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have allocated financial assistance of up to $192,907 to two swine health and welfare projects. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food André Lamontagne made the announcement during a visit to the Pork Show. The subsidies are being offered through the Programme de développement sectoriel. The investments are made under the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Implementation of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
These innovative projects are aimed at reducing animal stress and illness while enhancing the competitiveness of farm businesses. They are also part of the implementation of the 2018-2025 Biofood Policy – Feeding Our World, whose purpose is to mentor and support agricultural businesses and production lines in strategically developing their competitiveness and productivity. These mobilizing projects have the support of partners in the swine industry.
Réseau Santé Beauce will be receiving $135,492 for the delivery of a pilot project to eradicate wild strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in the municipality of Saint-Elzéar. PRRS, which first appeared in North America in 1987, has caused an average of $40 million in economic losses each year for the past two decades. Preventing the disease is a key priority for producers. The pilot project in this Beauce municipality is aimed at eradicating all wild strains of PRRS across 38 swine premises. It will also serve as an example for other control groups in Quebec.
Centre de développement du porc du Québec inc. will be receiving $57,415 for the delivery of its project on evaluating available technology for needle-free injections in swine production. This initiative makes it possible to reduce the drawbacks associated with certain swine health procedures. The project will prevent accidental worker injuries while enhancing the animals’ comfort and reducing their stress.
Source : Government of Canada