Feds commit funds for poultry insurance programs

In late July, federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced over $1.2 million for three organizations to roll out insurance products to help poultry producers better manage risks and mitigate losses that may result from a disease outbreak.

In addition to economic losses, disease outbreaks can have major impacts on animal welfare, food supply and producer mental health. By supporting industry partners, the federal government is contributing to the development of tools that help farmers manage these risks.

The recipient organizations include: Les Producteurs d’œufs d’incubation du Québec (POIQ); the Canadian Egg Industry Reciprocal Alliance (CEIRA); and Équipe québécoise de contrôle des maladies avicoles (EQCMA).

POIQ will receive up to $531,813 to implement and sustainably manage the Régime d’indemnisation des producteurs d’œufs d’incubation (Hatching Egg Producer Compensation Plan). This group insurance plan was developed to cover losses and costs associated with the control of two diseases: Salmonella enteritidis or Mycoplasma synoviae.

Along with protecting farmers against financial hazards of these conditions, the plan also helps to ensure members adhere to testing protocols, mandatory reporting of any contamination and that farmers take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of spread.

CEIRA will receive up to $408,485 to update the compensation model for its insurance product that covers table egg producers against avian influenza. The changes will help ensure the viability and sustainability of this insurance tool. The funding also supports activities to raise awareness of CEIRA’s insurance products to poultry producers across Canada.

EQCMA will get up to $337,126 to develop and launch an insurance product to cover table egg producers against false layer syndrome, a health problem that affects the reproductive system of laying hens and causes a significant decrease in productivity.

The project also supports development of protocols for early detection of the disease, as well as control and eradication protocols to help minimize the risk of spread.

“Outbreaks of diseases, such as avian influenza, are a major source of financial and emotional stress for farmers,” Bibeau says. “These sector-led projects are effective tools to mitigate the impacts of the challenges facing our agricultural producers.”