VFO STATEMENT: VFO applauds investment to improve veterinary access for Ontario livestock farmers

Access to veterinary care is a priority for all livestock farmers. Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) applauds yesterday’s joint announcement of an investment of up to $4 million dollars through the Livestock Veterinary Innovation Initiative, which will provide cost-share funding to improve virtual care options, expand telemedicine access and address issues with mobile clinics.

VFO thanks the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, for their support. The health and well-being of our animals is always a top priority and ensuring all farmers have access to large animal veterinarians, regardless of their location in the province, is of critical importance.

VFO has been engaged with our industry partners to address this fundamental issue and is pleased to see positive outcomes like yesterday’s joint announcement. This funding will help bridge the gap – especially for those farmers in remote, underserviced areas – and better support animal health, the livestock agri-food sector and the strength of the province’s food supply.

Find the announcement here.