Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, toured the University of Guelph's research facilities yesterday to meet with researchers and learn about their innovative work in support of a sustainable poultry sector. As part of his visit, MacAulay highlighted that the government of Canada is delivering an investment of $5,155,608 to the Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

This funding will allow the CPRC to partner on research that will ensure poultry welfare at all levels of the production chain, meeting the consumer demand for healthy and safe poultry products, and decreasing the environmental impacts of poultry farms—including ambient air quality, emissions, and the effect on humans and birds in the surrounding area.

Some examples of Cluster activities include upcycling Canadian fruit waste to develop novel feed ingredients, managing environmental conditions to reduce the risk of avian influenza, researching alternatives to antimicrobials, and optimizing feed to reduce particulate matter emissions.

Research funding in the poultry sector is crucial for the continued development of sustainable practices and improved animal welfare.

"Investments in research are vitally important to the future of our agricultural sector," said MacAulay. "By making sure our hardworking poultry farmers are using best practices and adopting innovative solutions, we're not only strengthening our economy, we're building a resilient industry that meets the needs of consumers, while protecting our environment for generations to come."

"This new injection of funding from AAFC will ensure continued innovation and excellence in research that benefits the entire Canadian poultry supply chain," said Caroline Wilson, executive director of the Canadian Poultry Research Council. "Research will focus on three main areas – environment and climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience – looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, find innovative approaches to disease management, and improve the overall strength of the poultry sector."