Canada's minister of agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Thursday over $1.2 million for three organisations 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. The funding is meant to help farmers manager these risks.

Les Producteurs d'œufs d'incubation du Québec (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.

The Canadian Egg Industry Reciprocal Alliance (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.

Équipe québécoise de contrôle des maladies avicoles (EQCMA) will receive 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 minimise the risk of spread.

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