Shapiro Administration Reminds Poultry Farmers of Available Relief Funds, Urges Tightened Biosecurity to Protect Industry and Food Supply

Oct 24, 2025

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding urged poultry producers to tighten biosecurity to protect their birds and businesses during heightened seasonal risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry. He encouraged farmers and others in the industry to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s HPAI Recovery Grants, which are now helping farms and other poultry businesses get back on their feet after devastating losses from avian influenza.

“The Shapiro Administration stands with Pennsylvania farmers in good times and bad," said Sec. Redding. “Hi-Path Avian Influenza has been the biggest animal health crisis in American history. I am proud of this Administration’s aggressive response, including the nation’s first dedicated relief fund to help compensate farmers for their losses. We pledged in March 2023 that this Administration would double down on our efforts to support farmers and reduce the spread of Avian Flu — and that’s exactly what we did.

“Governor Josh Shapiro proposed a 2025-26 budget that continues to include crucial support for farmers hit by the avian influenza crisis. We are standing with them and working every single day to protect their flocks, because when our farmers succeed, Pennsylvania succeeds.”

Source : pa.gov

Video: CEOs of the Industry, A Conversation with Daniel Rivest, President & CEO, Olymel

Swine Web’s CEOs of the Industry series welcomes Daniel Rivest, President & CEO of Olymel, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, the future of Canadian pork, and the opportunities ahead for one of North America’s largest pork and poultry processors.

Rivest discusses his journey to the CEO role, his leadership philosophy, and his early priorities at Olymel. The conversation explores the company’s strategic direction, its relationships with producers, and how Olymel is positioning itself for long-term growth and competitiveness.

The discussion also tackles some of the biggest issues facing Canadian pork production today, including labor availability, global competition, animal health, trade and export markets, automation, and the growing potential of artificial intelligence throughout the food production system.

Topics include:

• Daniel Rivest’s path to becoming President & CEO of Olymel

• Olymel’s current position and strategic direction

• The outlook for Canadian pork production

• Building stronger relationships with producers

• Global trade and key export markets

• Automation, innovation and artificial intelligence

• Leadership lessons and opportunities for the next generation

The conversation concludes with a Fast Five, giving viewers a more personal look at Rivest’s leadership approach and his vision for Olymel’s future.