BURLINGTON, ON – Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) is informing farmers that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has released detailed information on the new Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) and applications are now open.
PEFIP aims to help supply-managed poultry and egg producers adapt to market changes resulting from the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Over ten years, PEFIP will provide almost $647 million to support poultry and egg producers through on-farm investments, including $347.3 million earmarked for broiler chicken farmers across the country.
Each CFO farmer-member is entitled to an amount proportional to their quota holdings as of January 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2030, allowing farmers to apply when they are ready to make an investment.
“This funding will enable chicken farmers to make investments that will improve the competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of their farm businesses,” said Tim Klompmaker, Chicken Farmers of Ontario Board Director for District 9 and Chicken Farmers of Canada’s 2nd Vice-Chair. “We appreciate the government following through on their commitment to CPTPP mitigation and working with us to develop initiatives that will mean a greater impact for famers and a stronger Canadian chicken industry.”
Eligible projects include anything that helps farmers increase efficiency or productivity, respond to consumer preferences, or improve on-farm safety, biosecurity or environmental sustainability. This includes new barn construction or upgrades to equipment like feeding, watering, lighting, ventilation, heating, and comfort systems that will promote energy efficiency and reduce an operation’s environmental footprint.
The on-farm investment program is part of a broader compensation initiative, developed by AAFC in acknowledgment of market access given up through CPTPP and based on recommendations from federal supply-management feather boards, including Chicken Farmers of Canada.
“Canadians want chicken raised by a Canadian chicken farmer. Chicken Farmers of Canada continues to advocate that no further market access be granted through future trade deals,” said Klompmaker.
Source : CFO