Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy today announced in the Legislature that an agreement has been signed with the Prince Edward Island Dairy Industry Participants Committee to support the provision of management services to dairy producers across the province. The Industry Participants Committee is made up of representatives of the Artificial Breeders Association, the Prince Edward Island branch of Holstein Canada and the Atlantic Dairy Livestock Improvement Association.
The committee will be engaging the services of a fieldman to promote its services and programs. In particular, he will be encouraging the participation of all dairy producers in the National Livestock Identification program. He will also help the committee implement the recommendations of the recently completed market research on opportunities for the export of high quality genetics and breeding stock.
Mr. Murphy is encouraging all producers to participate in the livestock identification program, especially in light of the current BSE crisis in the livestock industry. "It is imperative that trace-back systems are in place to help in the control of diseases and to assure the public about the safety of their food products," he said.
The Minister said the department is also providing financial support to the industry promote its high quality genetics domestically and internationally. "There are exciting opportunities to expand exports from this province, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities," he said. "Prince Edward Island breeders have earned an international reputation for the high quality of their genetics."
Last year for the first time, an Island-bred Holstein was awarded the Grand Championship at the Royal Winter Fair, and an Island-bred Holstein won the Grand Championship at the Irish National Show. An upcoming issue of the international Holstein journal, published in five languages, will profile Prince Edward Island breeders.
"We look forward to continuing to work with all sectors of the dairy industry to support its continued growth and development," said Mr. Murphy.