As compensation for market access granted under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the federal government has announced two programs to benefit chicken, turkey, egg, and hatching egg producers.
The Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program will dole out $630 million over a decade to farmers through on-farm, cost-share projects. Based on quota, farmers will be able to access funds for projects that allow them to modernize or become more efficient. Projects from new barn construction or upgrading feeding, watering, lighting, ventilation, or heating systems may be eligible.
The first intake for the program will be announced this spring. Projects will be funded 70/30 by the government and farmer, though young farmers may be eligible for 85 per cent cost-share.
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.
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 for promotional activities that differentiate Canadian-made products’ reputation for “high-quality, safe and sustainably farmed food that adheres to strict animal welfare standards,” the government says.
Funding will be distributed to the national industry organizations, who will submit a multi-year strategy to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for approval.
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