Financial assistance available to livestock producers affected by slaughterhouse delays
The federal and provincial governments have created the Canada-quebec Livestock Assistance Initiative, $21.8 million in financial assistance intended to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 in 20202021. Compton-stanstead MP and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, Marie-claude Bibeau, and Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, announced the new program in a joint press release on Thursday.
“The health crisis caused by COVID-19 continues to put stress on food producers and processors and affect their operations. We are aware of the challenges they face and we are working with the government of Quebec to financially support Quebec’s cattle, pig and large game producers. This initiative will help, among other things, to offset the costs generated by the temporary closure of certain slaughterhouses, to ensure animal welfare, and to preserve the food security of the people of Quebec and Canada,” commented Bibeau.
In the spring of 2020, the rate of livestock slaughter slowed considerably, forcing producers to keep animals longer and resulting in significant additional costs. The delays also posed risks to the health and welfare of the animals.
The slowing of slaughter was the result of sanitary measures and the absence of some workers affected by the coronavirus, as well as a substantial drop in demand for large game meat caused by the suspension and reduced capacity of hotels and restaurants.
“The pandemic has reminded us of how crucial the bio-food sector is to maintaining the Quebec population’s access to a variety of quality foods,” said Centre-du-québec MNA and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food André Lamontagne. “Our government, which is particularly sensitive to issues affecting the food supply chain, recognizes its leadership role. The situation of livestock producers who have to keep their animals on the farm longer than expected has generated considerable costs. Financial assistance to support them was necessary, and I am very happy that our two governments are supporting those who are working to feed our world,” the MNA said.
The assistance aims to offset part of the costs borne by livestock producers to keep animals awaiting slaughter on farms until normalcy is restored. La Financière agricole du Québec will manage applications for the Initiative until the assistance is paid.