Animal health products are not just valuable tools for the protection of animal health - they safeguard human health.
Sixty years ago, a hen laid 50 to 60 eggs per year. Thanks to improved genetics, nutrition and health management, a hen now lays over 300 eggs per year.
Of nearly 1,500 diseases we know affect people, two-thirds can pass between animals and humans.
Animal health products undergo years of testing and trials to meet stringent government requirements before being approved for use.
All animal health products sold in Canada have undergone a comprehensive scientific review and risk assessment by Health Canada to identify any potential threats to animal and human health or the environment.
According to the United Nations, the amount of global animal protein must double within the next 40 years if food production is to keep pace with rising demand. Almost 75% of this will have to be achieved through improvements in efficiency and the adoption of agricultural technologies.
West Nile virus can affect both people and horses. Highly effective horse vaccines have been developed which are aiding in the development of a human vaccine.
Through better nutrition, improved health and genetics each pound of beef produced today uses 30% less land, 20% less feed and 14% less water than in 1997.
Organic foods require a larger land base to produce the same amount of food as is produced using modern agricultural practices, including: biotechnology, some animal health products, and crop protection innovations.
Whether produced organically or conventionally, our food is equally healthy and safe to eat.
Food safety programs, both on the farm and at the food processor, help identify critical control points where food safety could be at risk. Identified risks are managed, documented and validated by independent auditors.
Canadians have access to one of the safest, most abundant food supplies in the world – and it doesn’t happen without tools like animal health products, pesticides and plant biotechnology.
A farmer in 1900 produced enough food for 10 people. Today’s farmer feeds over 120 people and Canadian farmers now supply 150 other countries with food.
In 1931, one in three Canadians lived on a farm. Today, it’s just one in 46.
One of every eight Canadian jobs is related to agriculture.
If we used the technology of the 1950s, 1,215,106 hectares of land would be needed to feed Ontario’s dairy cattle. Because of technological innovation, less than 614,220 hectares is required to produce our milk today.
As a result of today’s farming practices a land base that is nine times the size of metropolitan Toronto (64,100 hectares) is available for other uses such as wildlife habitats, recreation, commercial and residential dwellings.
In 1900, fifty cents of every dollar earned was spent on food. Today, we spend just 10.6 cents of every dollar we earn.
Banner Photo Credit: Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan
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