CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN
STRENGTHENING THE SHEEP AND GOAT INDUSTRY

SHELBURNE, Ontario, February 6, 2010 – Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is strengthening the sheep and goat industry by helping to eradicate disease, enhance traceability and improve on-farm food safety practices. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, with Member of Parliament David Tilson (Dufferin-Caledon), today announced an investment of up to $6 million to help sheep and goat farmers come through this economic recovery stronger than ever.

“As Canada begins to show signs of economic recovery, the Government of Canada knows that the sheep and goat industry can deliver tremendous returns as it already brings in over $100 million to the farm gate,” said Minister Ritz. “A strong animal health and traceability system will position Canada’s sheep and goat producers for the premium prices their top-quality products deserve around the world.”

The AgriFlexibility fund, a commitment made under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, will deliver up to $4.5 million to determine the prevalence of scrapie, a fatal neurological disease, in Canadian sheep. This information will help establish a time frame in which scrapie can be eradicated from Canada and international markets can be reopened.

The remainder of the investment of more than $1.5 million will go towards the following three projects:

• $733,000 will support the Canadian Sheep Federation’s pilot project to have a select number of producers implement full-scale Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to demonstrate the benefits RFID can provide to the industry.

• $491,000 will help the Canadian National Goat Federation and the Canadian Sheep Federation to foster education within the industry on identification and traceability of goats and sheep. It will also be used to further the work done on the Canadian Sheep Federation’s Canadian Sheep Identification Program.

• $354,000 will support the Canadian Sheep Federation in the development of their On-Farm Food Safety Management System. This is the last step in the federation’s On-Farm Food Safety system which could lead to government recognition of their Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP)-based system.

“Our Government is working to boost the bottom line for the sheep and goat sector in Ontario and across Canada,” said MP Tilson. “This investment is another step forward in Canada’s Economic Action Plan to increase international trade, strengthen the Canadian economy and make sure our agriculture industry comes through this global economic instability stronger than ever.”

“We are pleased to be working with the Government of Canada to provide more resources and tools for the Canadian sheep producer,” said Dwane Morvik, chairman of the Canadian Sheep Federation. “Improving access to farm technology and implementing programs to address animal health issues can make a real difference to the bottom line of our farmers and improve our ability to take advantage of international and domestic markets.”

The sheep industry is worth $124 million in farm receipts.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan will remain focused on strengthening the economy, while working towards returning to balanced budgets and securing Canada's economic future. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972 Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059


Jennifer MacTavish
Executive Director
Canadian Sheep Federation
1-866-909-5360


Sheep and Goat Industry Applauds AAFC Support

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2010 – Guelph, Ontario – News of a federal government investment of up to $6 million for the sheep and goat industry was greeted today with thanks from Dwane Morvik, Chairman of the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) and Andrew Gordanier Vice-Chairman. The funding will be used to help producers eradicate disease, enhance traceability and improve on-farm food safety.

“We are pleased to be working with the Government of Canada to provide more resources and tools for the Canadian sheep producer,” said Morvik. “Currently, because of lack of supply, we can only fill 40 per cent of domestic lamb consumption. This funding will build valuable infrastructure to help us meet the growing demand. The CSF is committed to ensuring the industry is well-positioned to take advantage of markets; we’re thrilled the government also sees the great potential of our industry.”

The first initiative to be launched with the funding is a traceability research project that will test full-scale Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems on sheep farms across the country. Electronic livestock production systems have shown potential to benefit entire supply chains from producer to consumer. This pilot project will specifically evaluate the advantages in sheep flocks, with participating producers gaining first-hand experience and providing valuable input back to the industry.

“We appreciate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for recognizing the need for such an important initiative,” said Andrew Gordanier, CSF Vice-Chairman, from his farm in Shelburne, Ontario where the announcement was made. “Having Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz here today, visiting a sheep farm where the project is being implemented, clearly demonstrates the government’s support for the Canadian sheep industry. We appreciate the support that Minister Ritz has shown us and look forward to continuing to work together to advance the Canadian industry.”

The funding, made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, also provides support for the CSF and its partner organization, the Canadian National Goat Federation, to educate the industry about identification and traceability and implement a scrapie prevalence study.

“It’s important for the small ruminant industry to work together to trace animals, which is a crucial step in eradicating disease,” said Morvik. “Partnering on these initiatives will strengthen our animal health system and help move the industry forward to improve access to international markets and to gain market share domestically.”

On-farm food safety is another priority for the CSF. A portion of funding will be used to further develop the CSF’s On-Farm Food Safety Management.

The Canadian Sheep Federation is a national, non-profit organization that represents all Canadian sheep producers. Its mission is further the viability, expansion and prosperity of the Canadian sheep and wool industry. For more information contact the Canadian Sheep Federation at 1-888-684-7739 or info@cansheep.ca.