Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award presented to the CFO
By Jennifer Jackson
The Province recognized the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) for its advances in modernizing agriculture and the poultry supply chain.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) presented the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence to the CFO for its CFO Connects program on Nov. 25.
The CFO Connects program is an online platform that digitally links the entire supply chain – a first for any agriculture sector in Canada. This includes some 1,200 Ontario chicken farmers, three hatcheries, 16 processors, and 19 poultry transporters, according to the Nov. 25 release.
“Chicken farmers are making a bold statement about the importance of evolving and keeping ahead of consumer demands,” Henry Zantingh, chair of CFO, said in a past release about the program. “It will change the way our business is managed and run.”
The CFO hopes the program will promote better product traceability, sector efficiency, and easier record keeping.
“Chicken Farmers of Ontario is very pleased with the success of CFO Connects and looks forward to continue working with farmers and other industry stakeholders to simply and easily conduct a full range of business transactions that will continue to move our industry forward," Rob Dougans, president and chief executive officer of CFO, said in the recent release.
The Province honours innovative agri-food processors, producers, communities, and organizations that promote strengthened communities, a healthy environment, job-growth, and a thriving economy. Every year, OMAFRA recognizes 50 award recipients across the province.
“We are honoured and proud of the recognition received by the Premier for our achievements with enhancing quality and productivity, improving customer service, stimulating innovation and supporting risk management through the implementation of CFO Connects,” Zantingh said in the release.