"Funding innovative research projects in food safety led by industry at a grassroots level allows for research and results to have an impact on the key stakeholders in a timely fashion that meets their needs," Tricia Meaud said in her presentation to the House of Commons Subcommittee on Food Safety of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on May 13. "This approach is proactive and allows the industry to have a significant impact on the direction and dissemination of research, which ultimately increases the likelihood of uptake."
Members of Parliament identified the Agriculture and Food Council (AFC) as an organization that the subcommittee of the Standing Committee of Agriculture and Agri-Food would benefit from inviting as a witness as it studies food safety.
AFC has funded several industry-led projects in Food Safety through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) fund and Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program. These projects include several workshops on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), on-farm safety pilot programs, piloting the food safety information society, as well as projects to test new processes and technologies for food safety including high pressure processing and several projects involving evaluating disinfectants in processing plants.
For example, Food Beverage Canada's "Alberta Technology Innovation Program" was funded through ACAAF in 2006. It is a program to provide opportunities for small to medium processing companies to access, explore and evaluate leading edge technologies related to food safety, environment, processes, packaging, labeling and storage. It is based on a 50/50 cost share of eligible expenses and has funded more than 300 participants to attend over 100 events to date, resulting in companies investing in new processes, modified products, increased technical knowledge and business partnerships.
"Control of Biofilm Microorganisms on Surfaces Associated with Meat Processing Facilities" from Innovotech was also a project funded with AFC's sister councils in BC, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec (FDTA) in 2006. This project developed and investigated the efficiency of different commercially available disinfectant combinations on primary and secondary processing surfaces in slaughter and poultry houses. The company continues to disseminate results and the project has led to subsequent projects.
"The Agriculture and Food Council is pleased to be able to help increase the safety of Canadian food by funding important research projects, as well as by sharing information," said Dee Ann Benard, Chair of Alberta ACAAF.
The Council is a leader in Alberta's agriculture and food industry. It is a unique agent with a vision to ensure that Alberta's agriculture and food industry will be globally competitive, profitable and sustainable. To help realize this vision, the Council has developed various partnerships with industry and governments. It operates a number of targeted programs and initiatives, and is increasingly viewed by industry partners as a catalyst for policy discussions on important issues and trends affecting the industry.
Televised coverage of evidence presented to the Subcommittee on Food Safety may be viewed online at http://www2.parl.gc.ca/CommitteeBusiness/CommitteeMeetings.aspx?Cmte=SFSA&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2
Aussie disponible en français.
For more information, please contact:
Tricia Meaud, Deputy Executive Director, Federal Programs
Agriculture and Food Council
Phone Toll Free: (866) 955-3714 ext. 229
Email: acaaf@agfoodcouncil.com
www.agfoodcouncil.com
