EDMONTON, ALBERTA — Dairy producers will benefit from new technology that will ensure quality control at all stages of the dairy food supply chain and result in increased quality assurance and enhanced food safety. Today, MP Mike Lake (Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced an investment of over $350,000 to SciMed Technologies Inc for the development of a new device for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple antibiotic residues in dairy milk.
"Our Government remains focused on the economy, and Canada's dairy sector plays an important role in keeping our economy strong," said MP Lake. "Keeping Canadian dairy safe and antibiotic-free is an important part of ensuring a profitable and sustainable future for producers and the entire dairy value chain across Canada."
This project will result in the development of a device that will allow dairy producers to quickly detect antibiotic residues in milk without ever leaving the farm. The Canadian dairy industry already abides by strict quality standards that prevent and reduce food safety hazards and risks on the farm. This new technology will aid tremendously in ensuring the highest quality of dairy milk and contribute to the excellent reputation of Canadian dairy products.
"Our Immuno-biochip technology will help ensure milk and agri-food products meet the regulatory requirements and label claims for antibiotic content in dairy products," said Dr. Rajan Gupta, President of SciMed Technologies. "This technology will help producers remain competitive while adopting newer technologies with enhanced profitability."
This project is being funded under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Alberta, CAAP is delivered by the Agriculture and Food Council (AFC). CAAP is a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.
The Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, coupled with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives such as CAAP, continues to help farmers by focusing on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Investments in new and emerging market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy for the future.
For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada