Minister Ritz announced the investment of over C$800,000 in funding for Egg Farmers of Canada during the organisation's annual general meeting.

“Canadian farmers produce premium eggs and this investment in traceability will build on that world-class reputation for safety and quality,” said Minister Ritz. “A national traceability system will give Canadian farmers a competitive edge by clearly demonstrating our commitment to safety and quality at every step of production, from farm gate to plate.”

This funding will support the development of the Canadian Egg Industry Traceability System (CEITS), which will include processes and operating procedures for tracing the movement of eggs, pullets and eggs laying birds. The funds will also help establish database requirements for egg and bird traceability information required by government. This will help support the progressive approach taken by the Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) in taking traceability beyond the livestock industry. EFC is the first organisation of the poultry industry to move forward with the development of a traceability system.

“We are pleased to be working with the Government to develop a national traceability program for Canadian eggs,” said Laurent Souligny, Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. “Egg Farmers of Canada wants to provide Canadians with the best possible eggs and traceability is just part of our continuing commitment to consumers to do just that.”

This investment is provided through the Canadian Integrated Food Safety Initiative (CIFSI) which helps the sector respond to growing consumer demands for improved on-farm food safety assurance and proactively manage risks.