Over the past few years, Canada's agriculture sector has faced many challenges, including devastating floods, a historic drought and a global pandemic. Addressing this issue, Canada's minister of agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of over $3 million for two projects to enhance emergency management, develop risk assessments and strategies to mitigate disease outbreaks.

Funding for the two recipient organisations will help the sector increase its capacity to face emergencies. Animal Health Canada in Elora, Ontario will receive up to $2,572,888, for a three-year project under the AgriAssurance Program to enhance Animal Health Emergency Management in provincial/national associations. This project will help enhance the emergency management capabilities of Canada's livestock and poultry industries, to remain ready in the face of adverse events and a continually evolving disease landscape. Outcomes include addressing lessons learned from previous animal health emergencies, improving protocols, and developing training and resources.

"As we enter into the last year of this project, we're excited to continue working with producer groups in Canada to deliver capacity-building resources and training to prepare for and minimise the impact of emergencies, said Melanie Barnham, executive director of Animal Health Canada. "Now more than ever, we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to support animal health and welfare."

Swine Innovation Porc will receive up to $446,135 under the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program, to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of an African swine fever outbreak on the pork sector. This will help the industry prepare for a potential disease incursion and help manage surplus animals in the event of an outbreak.

"Past experience has demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness to respond and recover from disruptive events," said René Roy, vice-chair of Swine Innovation Porc. "The Swine Innovation Porc welcomes the support of the Government of Canada in supporting new initiatives to develop innovative methods to face food supply threats such as African Swine Fever outbreak."