By Dori Modney

New Programs announced to deliver fair compensation for chicken, turkey and egg farmers

Apr 14, 2021 | 3:37 PM

OTTAWA, ONT. — Two new programs have been announced by Ottawa, designed to promote innovation and market development for Canada’s 4,800 chicken, turkey and egg farmers.

The announcement on Tuesday (April 13) by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, explains the programs, totaling more than $691 million over ten years, are a direct response to requests from producer associations and will provide full and fair compensation for market impacted by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The four supply-managed poultry and egg sectors (chicken, broiler hatching eggs, turkey, and eggs) generated $4.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2020, 6.8 percent of all farm cash receipts in Canada. As well, Canada’s poultry and egg sector supports more than 140,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Details released by the government include the following:

The Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program will provide close to $630 million over ten years to support poultry and egg farmers through on-farm investments. Producers will be entitled to an amount proportional to their quota holdings. Eligible projects include anything that helps a producer modernize, become more competitive and adapt to changing consumer preferences. This includes new barn construction or upgrading equipment like feeding, watering, lighting, ventilation, heating, and comfort systems that will promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental footprint.

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The Government of Canada will contribute up to 70% of the project cost, a ratio increasing to up to 85% for young farmers to help ensure a strong future for Canada’s farms. The intake of applications for this program will launch later this spring.

Funding will be distributed starting in 2021-22, and will be allocated as follows:

• $347.3 million for chicken producers;
• $59.6 million for turkey producers;
• $134 million for egg producers; and,
• $88.6 million for broiler hatching egg producers.

Also, the Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken will provide $36.5 million for the Turkey Farmers of Canada and $25 million for the Chicken Farmers of Canada over ten years. This funding will help promotional activities that differentiate Canadian-made products’ reputation for high-quality, safe and sustainably farmed food that adheres to strict animal welfare standards.

Funding will be distributed to the national industry organizations, who will submit a multi-year strategy to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for approval. The intake for applications from these organizations launches April 13, 2021.