Features Business Policy
Funding available for potato producers, packers implementing on-farm food safety programs

Earlier this year, the Canadian Horticultural Council
(CHC) received official approval from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(AAFC) of its application for On-Farm Implementation (OFI) funding for
potato producers under the Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program
(CFSQP) – OFI component.

Earlier this year, the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) received official approval from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) of its application for On-Farm Implementation (OFI) funding for potato producers under the Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program (CFSQP) – OFI component.

Funding under the CFSQP – OFI component provides producers with a total allocation of $1,050 to support them in implementing on-farm food safety (OFFS) in their operations. A total of $300 is made available to attend up to three commodity-specific OFI workshops, while the remaining $750 can be used to receive technical support from an OFFS consultant or purchase specialized food safety equipment.

“Canadian producers and packers of potatoes have been taking steps to implement on-farm food safety in their operations for years," said Anne Fowlie, CHC executive vice-president. “Industry takes food safety very seriously and recognizes the importance of taking measures to safeguard our food and the health of the Canadian public. We welcome and greatly appreciate the availability of OFI funding to support potato producers and packers in continuing their efforts to manage food safety risks by implementing the CHC’s on-farm food safety program for potatoes.”

The CHC submitted the application on behalf of provincial member organizations that will serve as delivery agents of the funding. Individual producers should contact their provincial potato associations for details on how to access this funding.

For additional information, visit the CHC website at www.hortcouncil.ca/FShome.htm or contact Kathleen Paynter, food safety administrator for the CHC at 613-226 4880 (ext. 204) or via kpaynter@hortcouncil.ca .