"Farmers across British Columbia take pride in their animal handling practices," said Member of Parliament Ed Fast (Abbotsford), on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our Government is partnering with farmers so that they have access to the latest and best farm animal care techniques."

The BC Farm Animal Care Initiative will help establish a new industry standard for animal welfare in BC. Working with industry, BC Farm Animal Care Council (BCFACC) is communicating with industry, the public, and other animal care councils; monitoring animal care issues, legislation and research results; and promoting animal care best practices through a series of courses on handling livestock emergencies and developing regional emergency response plans.

"Farmers and ranchers across BC are proud of their animal husbandry practices," said Garnet Etsell, chair of the BC Agriculture Council. "Funding this initiative will build on this success and keep BC agriculture at the leading edge with respect to the humane treatment of animals."

Funding for this project was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program, which in BC is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF). Through initiatives like this, the Government encourages agriculture and agri-food industries to explore new opportunities while contributing to a healthy environment and an improved economy.

"It's a smart investment," said Stuart Wilson, Chair of the IAF. "Through this investment, animals benefit, farmers and ranchers benefit, and the industry benefits."