NOVEMBER 2018 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


5


Antibiotics are important tools for producers Animals get sick, and need to be cared for as part of a healthy food supply


Canada is the 14th largest


importer of chicken in the world, and most imports enter Canada duty-free, or at a very low tariff.


Viewpoint by CHERYL DAVIE


The new US-Mexico-


Canada (USMCA) trade agreement will provide US chicken producers with increased access of over 12 million kilograms per year. That means Canada will be importing approximately 10.7% of its chicken supply and become the second biggest destination for US chicken after Mexico. This year, I spent a day at the BC Chicken Growers’ Association’s Poultry in Motion exhibit at the PNE. We usually get very few questions about supply management and trade agreements, but this year consumers were more concerned than ever about the origins of their chicken. Overwhelmingly, consumers wanted to make sure the chicken they buy is Canadian. Consumers are also


increasingly concerned about antibiotics.


BCCMB’s production data


shows that in 2017, about 11% of the chicken grown in BC was raised without antibiotics (RWA), which includes 3% of production that is certified organic. Consumers are willing to pay good money for those birds, which typically command a 15% to 60% premium at retail.


When a consumer asks about antibiotics, we usually start by explaining that poultry and eggs don’t have antibiotics in them and that more than a decade of Canadian Food Inspection Agency testing has revealed no significant residue levels. Consumers are often relieved to hear this, because many believe the chicken they eat has antibiotics. Consumers also respond


positively when we describe Chicken Farmers of Canada’s (CFC) animal care program, the protocols for antibiotic use, and the industry’s commitment to use antibiotics responsibly. The industry has responded on its own because drugs are an essential tool in preserving flock health, just as in all other livestock sectors. The main issue today is antibiotic resistance from the


2019 2019


overuse of antibiotics. I always tell consumers that farmers and ranchers care about this as much as they do. Farmers are, after all, consumers, too. CFC took a leadership position on this issue in May 2014 when it eliminated the preventative use of Category 1 antibiotics (those most critical to human medicine). It will eliminate the preventative use of Category 2 antibiotics by the end of 2018. For farmers who are already raising chicken without antibiotics, the transition took time, a lot of hard work, research and trial and error. Sometimes, their flocks become ill and require antibiotics. (Treated birds have to be sold for a lower price on the conventional market, because they no longer qualify as RWA.)


Despite consumers’ enthusiasm for RWA products, antibiotics are an important part of a farmer’s toolkit. Farmers and ranchers have a social responsibility to treat ill livestock, just as parents and caregivers must children or others in their care who are ill. With the current state of


politics, and the media attention to USMCA, Canadian consumers want to support Canadian farmers and ranchers more than ever.


I believe this is an opportunity for those of us in the industry to get the word out and build public trust in on-farm practices and the integrity of our food system. Many other countries recognize the high quality of our food, and it’s something consumers here in Canada can be confident of and take pride in, too. Consumers also need to


know that industry is on top of issues that are important to them, such as antibiotic resistance. By monitoring antibiotic use and reducing or even outright eliminating the use of the antibiotics most important to human medicine, producers are doing


their part. But eliminating antibiotics altogether is not the answer. Animals get sick, just like people, and deserve appropriate care. Antibiotics are one way of delivering that care. I feel good buying


Canadian meat, dairy, egg or poultry products because I know that I am not only supporting Canadian farmers and ranchers who are using antimicrobials responsibly, I am also helping to protect the health and welfare of farm animals. Cheryl Davie, PAg, MBA, MAg is manager of strategic initiatives and analysis with the BC Chicken Marketing Board.


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BC Agri-Food Industry Gala Wednesday, January 23


QUALITY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE 36035 North Parallel Road | Abbotsford, BC


QUALITY HO TEL & CO NFERENCE CENTRE 36035 North Parallel Road | Abbotsford, BC


British Columbia’s Premier Celebration of Agriculture!


Timed to coincide with the Pacific Agriculture Show, this annual event attracts nearly 500 B.C. farmers and ranchers, industry organizations and government officials from around the province.


TICKETS GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 9! ! Visit www.bcac.ca to purchase. TICKETS GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 9TH Interested in sponsorship opportunities with BCAC? Contact com m uni Interested in sponsorship opportunities with BCAC? Contact communications@bcac.bc.ca cati ons@ bcac.bc.ca The Gala is a fundraising event hosted by BCAC. Proceeds support the work of BCAC including the annual lobby day, “Ag Day in Victoria”.


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