Farm safety partnership formed

www.CLOCALNEWS.COM
Published: January 29, 2010 1:00 PM

A new partnership between the federal and B.C. governments is intended
to ensure foods produced on farms in B.C. and Canada remain the safest
and highest quality in the world.

"Farmers across British Columbia can take pride in their on-farm food
safety practices," said Abbotsford MP Ed Fast.

"By raising awareness of safe on-farm practices, we are helping farmers
retain consumer confidence and remain competitive."

B.C. Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson said the partnership
will allow producers to be "proactive in addressing food-borne risks
that could potentially be encountered along the agri-food chain."

The Food Safety Systems Implementation (FSSI) producer program will
receive up to $2.4 million to promote food safety awareness and deliver
educational programs to producers. 

This investment will also help producers put into action their
individual safety plan, leading to certification.

The program will reimburse 90 per cent of eligible costs up to $3,000
per farm for approved projects.