Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Francis Drouin announced Friday $3.5 million in funding under the Market Development Program for the Turkey Farmers of Canada and Chicken Farmers of Canada. Funding through this program will help increase domestic demand and consumption of Canadian turkey and chicken products through industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada's reputation for high quality poultry products.

Turkey Farmers of Canada will receive up to $2.5 million to expand Canadian consumer awareness of the benefits of turkey meat as a primary and alternative protein.

Chicken Farmers of Canada will receive up to $1 million to promote to Canadians the excellence of Canadian chicken and the commitment of the farmers who raise them to providing safe, high quality chicken.

Funding under the Market Development Program will play a critical role in boosting the competitiveness of the poultry industry, while highlighting the commitment of our farmers to providing the best product for Canadian families. These investments will help ensure continued growth and prosperity for our poultry farmers, who help keep Canada's rural communities strong and vibrant.

"Following the signing of international agreements, our government committed to providing full and fair compensation to Canada's supply-managed sectors, and we are delivering on that commitment," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "These investments enable poultry producers to promote the high quality of their products across Canada and to expand their markets."