OREANDA-NEWS. September 15, 2016.  Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford and member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, today announced an investment of \\$690,000 to help the Quebec poultry industry reduce the preventive use of antibiotics.

Under this project, the Poultry Research Chair at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will assess various alternative strategies and their effects on flock performance. The latest research into anti-microbial resistance (AMR) builds on a previous project, also funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and will seek solutions that can be applied across the entire poultry industry.

Quick facts

  • VQ's membership includes all of Quebec's 814 chicken and turkey producers, who collectively earn over \\$725 million in farm cash receipts annually.
  • AAFC supports the development and adoption of industry-led initiatives regarding biosecurity and animal care to support the prudent use of antimicrobials. See link below.
  • This contribution has been made through the AgriInnovation Program under Growing Forward 2, a five-year, \\$698 million initiative.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes that the use of antibiotics in agriculture is of growing concern with consumers. The Government is supporting the Quebec poultry industry as it continues research to reduce the use of antibiotics in chicken production, which will benefit public health and promote prosperity for producers and all Canadians."

- Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford and member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

"The Quebec poultry industry is committed to developing cutting-edge farming methods while maintaining strict, rigorous animal welfare standards. Flock health and the quality of consumer products are top priorities. Working with the Poultry Research Chair, we are taking the necessary steps to preserve and enhance these priority areas by building on research and development."

- Pierre-Luc Leblanc, President, Les ?leveurs de volailles du Qu?bec