Harper Government hatching new and innovative ways to help farmers

Edmonton, Alberta, June 26, 2012 - The Canadian hatching egg industry is expected to achieve improved flock uniformity and increased chick production through a new investment by the Harper Government in an integrated feeding management solution. Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove) announced today, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, an investment of more than $240,000 to help develop a precision broiler breeder feeding system.

"The Harper Government is hatching new and innovative ways to help farmers decrease costs and improve efficiency," said Minister Ambrose. "In addition to reduced feed costs and an improved bottom line for producers, the new system is expected to improve the health and welfare of birds."

The Alberta Hatching Egg Producers will use this investment to help develop a precision broiler breeder feeding system that provides the right amount of feed to the right bird at the right time, with the goal of keeping birds fit and reducing waste. The new system is expected to improve production by taking the guesswork out of feed allocation, thereby potentially reducing labour and management inputs, while increasing environmental benefits through improved feed efficiency and a reduction in manure production. The hatching egg producers house all their birds in free-run facilities, and this precision feeding technology will further enhance an already welfare-friendly environment for the birds.

"We are very excited to be working with the hatching egg industry on this innovative project," said Dr. Martin Zuidhof, the project leader at the University of Alberta. "It is exciting to see over 20 years of research come together in a way that promises so much benefit for the poultry industry and the birds themselves. We are pleased with the investments of government and industry partners that are moving this worthwhile initiative forward."

The Harper Government is making this investment through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-14), $163-million program that helps the agriculture and agri-food sector seize new opportunities and remain competitive. In Alberta, CAAP is delivered through the Agriculture and Food Council (AFC) of Alberta.

For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.

To learn more about AFC, please visit www.agfoodcouncil.com.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

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