To help turkey farmers handle the financial impact of infectious avian diseases affecting their production, the Canadian federal government will be providing funding towards the creation of an insurance program for farmers.
The government will be providing funding of up to $559,285 to help the industry group Turkey Farmers of Ontario launch a new insurance product that protects them from losses associated with outbreaks of avian influenza.
A release noted that the insurance will help bridge the gap in existing coverage, paying for the difference between compensation through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for animals ordered destroyed and their full market value. The insurance also covers for incremental costs such as cleaning and disinfection, veterinary services, the disposal of feed, and other costs related to the resumption of operations.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada’s turkey industry generates products worth $382.6 million, and up to $42.6 million in exports to 37 countries.
"Disease outbreaks can have a big impact on producers and our government is working hard to support them when they face these challenges,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau. “This new insurance product will help Ontario turkey farmers in their efforts to protect their businesses and return to production following a sudden outbreak of avian influenza."
"The turkey industry has encountered numerous challenges over the past few years and this funding is very important for the implementation of an Avian Influenza Insurance Program,” commented Turkey Farmers of Ontario chair Brian Ricker, who added that the insurance program will protect not only turkey farmers, but by extension, the poultry industry as well.
