Egg farmers thank government for research contribution that recognizes
importance of egg and poultry industries in Canada

OTTAWA, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - Egg Farmers of Canada today said it was very pleased with the federal government's announcement of an investment of up to $1.8 million to be administered by the Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC).  This major investment, coupled with investments from poultry and egg farmers, will support research projects of more than 20 leading researchers working in 10 laboratories across Canada.

This important government contribution will help to bring experts throughout Canada from academic, industry and government communities together to conduct leading-edge research in poultry health and welfare, food safety and quality and production practices.  "As members of CPRC, EFC believes this government contribution will give the egg and poultry industries knowledge that will help us sustain our sectors and grow," EFC Chairman Laurent Souligny said. "I would like to offer both my personal thanks and the thanks of Canadian egg farmers to Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz for this investment," he said.

Souligny said that industry and government are working closely together to enhance poultry research.  Egg Farmers of Canada contributes close to $140,000 a year to the CPRC administration and research as well as supports additional applications annually for funding made by scientific leaders across Canada. Also, recently, Egg Farmers of Canada announced the establishment of a chair for egg economics research at Laval University.

"These efforts will create a strong pool of young talent that will allow Canada to claim having the best and the brightest poultry scientists in the world," Souligny said. "We sincerely thank the government for its support of researchers and Canada's egg industry."

      

For further information:

Bernadette Cox,

613 238 2514 extension 2235