OTTAWA, ONTARIO — The Canadian government is supporting its turkey farmers by strengthening food-safety systems on turkey farms throughout Canada. An investment of more than C$50,000 ($49,000) was made for the Turkey Farmers of Canada's on-farm food safety program, announced Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

This federal Growing Forward investment is being funded through the Canadian Integrated Food Safety Initiative (C.I.F.S.I.).


"Through Canada's Economic Action plan, the Government of Canada has made agriculture and food safety a top priority," Mr. Ritz said. "We are delivering real results for families by making smart investments in the turkey industry so that farmers can meet market demands while continuing to ensure the safety of our food."

The investment will help the Turkey Farmers of Canada update their On-Farm Food Safety Program (O.F.F.S.P.), including their training-course materials to ensure farmers are kept current with new science and food-safety practices. The O.F.F.S. program identifies potential on-farm food safety hazards and provides producers with best management practices to mitigate those risks. This national program is based on Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (H.A.C.C.P.) principles.