The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million to improve the safety of farmers and farm workers by funding the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA).
“Since its inception in 1993, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association has played a major role in raising the awareness of the farm safety agenda,” said Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, who made the announcement at CASA’s annual general meeting on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This Government is proud to support CASA as they work to improve farm safety practices and reduce the chances of injury.”
Through their national work, CASA helps producers recognize and manage risk in the agricultural workplace. This investment will create safety exhibits, web resources and training material to help farmers spot and remedy hazards. Funding will also be used to support CASA’s award-winning Progressive Agricultural Safety Days – day-long events held throughout the country to make rural youth aware of the hazards on the farm and in a rural environment. CASA will be coordinating 75 such days in 2010.
“Farmers in New Brunswick and across Canada can take great pride in their safe farm practices,” said Minister Keith Ashfield and Member of Parliament for Fredericton. “Our Government knows that farm safety is the best investment farmers can make and we’re helping them stay safe and keep their operations strong and competitive.”
“CASA is very pleased to receive confirmation of continued support from AAFC’s Growing Forward initiative,” said Bruce Johnson, chairman of CASA’s Board of Directors. “CASA’s network of farm safety groups, researchers and producers is pleased to partner with the government in leading development and delivery of national farm safety programs aimed at increasing the safety of those who live and work in Canadian agriculture.”
The investment comes from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Growing Forward – the new $1.3-billion national agricultural policy framework aimed at building an innovative and profitable sector for all farmers across the country.
