EFC welcomes funding from the federal government towards research and innovation

OTTAWA, February 19, 2014 – Egg Farmers of Canada is pleased with the $4 million in funding received for poultry research and innovation from the federal government, an investment that was possible through the Agri-Science Clusters initiative of the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovations Program (AIP).

The 5-year investment in the Poultry Science Cluster will be leveraged by more than 50 contributing scientists from across the country for issues of great importance to industry. “This research is focused on providing our farmers with a better understanding of certain poultry diseases, finding novel means for their control, contributing to the continuous improvement of poultry health and welfare and mitigating environmental impacts” said Tim Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of EFC.

The long-term, stable, and sustained commitment to research by both the government and industry generates the knowledge and opportunities to increase the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of egg farming while building poultry expertise that will be required by future generations.

Egg Farmers of Canada’s investment in the activities of the Poultry Science Cluster is supplemented by the continued involvement through the Egg Farmers of Canada Research Chair in Poultry Welfare, Dr. Tina Widowski, from the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph.

“This investment is a critical part of the broader poultry research enterprise and fuels the advancement and development of the industry. Today’s superior on-farm management practices are the result of many years of research. Any time we look at production management, animal husbandry or farming practices we always want to make sure we base decisions on the best available scientific data,” mentioned Dr. Widowski.

The Poultry Science Cluster application which was led by the Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC) includes projects representing priorities from each of the CPRC-member organizations: Chicken Farmers of Canada, Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council, Turkey Farmers of Canada, and Egg Farmers of Canada.