OTTAWA, ON, March 5, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie Claude Bibeau, and Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen, announced the launch of an initiative under the AgriRecovery Framework to provide up to $3 million to assist hog producers impacted by processing shut downs due to the pandemic. Funding for the initiative is cost shared on a 60/40 basis between Canada and Alberta.

Pork processing plants in Alberta have been impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks and disease control measures, resulting in plant closures and reduced slaughter capacity. Many Alberta hog producers are being forced to keep hogs on-farm beyond their standard lifecycle, resulting in extraordinary feed and maintenance costs which put a financial strain on their operations. The initiative will provide assistance for up to 90 per cent of the cost to feed market-ready hogs held back from processing due to plant closures and reduced capacity.

The province of Alberta will administer applications and payments to producers.

Quotes

"When we announced the AgriRecovery initiative last May, we dedicated $50 million to help pork producers deal with situations just like this one. It has already been a rollercoaster year and the Olymel closure is yet another challenge for pork producers. Our Government has the back of pork producers and will assist them with the extra costs to deal with the associated backlogs. We also care deeply about the health and safety of food production plant workers, who are doing essential work, and we have implemented a range of emergency safety and worker benefit programs to support their safety and wellbeing."

-       The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Alberta's government is committed to protecting lives and livelihoods. We want to make sure that hog producers are getting the supports that they need so that they can continue to do what they do best, which is producing safe, high-quality food, not just for Alberta families but for families all around the world."

-       Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry