News release
AAFC SUPPORTS ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION
DUNNVILLE, Ontario, April 13, 2004 - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is investing $80 million over four years to help producers implement food-safety systems under the Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program (CFSQP).
"This program will help Canadian producers meet or exceed market demands for food safety and quality. From the field to the fork, the Canadian food safety system is, and continues to be, second to none," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Bob Speller.
This part of the program has two main components - the first will provide $8.2 million to national producer organizations to deliver workshops to help producers better understand on-farm food safety systems, and the second will provide $61.5 million to producers to help them implement these systems. The remainder of the funds will support administration of these components by national producer organizations and AAFC.
This initiative expands on the $62 million for the first component of the CFSQP announced on December 10, 2003 which provided industry with funding to develop on-farm food safety systems specific to their commodity, such as traceability and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). This new initiative further strengthens the rigour and consistency in Canada's application of food safety, quality and traceability measures by implementing these systems on individual farms.
Under this program, producers will receive benefits of workshops valued at $100 per producer. In addition, under the direct support to producers, up to $750 per producer will be available for technical support to adapt and implement food safety systems and/or purchase specialized equipment. Producers will be able to access these funds and participate in the workshops through their national producer organizations.
"This on-farm component of the CFSQP will enhance the reputation of Canadian producers, at home and abroad, as important contributors to our seamless food safety systems," added Mr. Speller.
Under the Agricultural Policy Framework, federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to support industry-led development and implementation of food safety, quality and traceability systems.
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For more information, media may contact:
Carla VentinPress Secretary
Minister Speller's Office
(613) 759-1346
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972
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