Representatives from Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) hosted Chicken Day at Queen’s Park – an annual event that brings chicken farmers and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) together to talk about the chicken industry.
In total, chicken farmers had 24 meetings with Ministers and MPPs to discuss the economic impact of the Ontario chicken industry, the benefits of supply management, the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program, the new Poultry Research Centre, expanding rural broadband access, and sustainability in chicken farming. Throughout Chicken Day, chicken farmers were able to engage with over 60 Ministers and MPPs to talk chicken!
“Thank you to the elected officials that met with the CFO team to discuss how we can work together to support Ontario chicken farmers and ensure that Ontarians continue to have access to safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken,” said Murray Opsteen, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario. “We were pleased to hear strong support for supply management and the Ontario chicken farming sector from members of all parties and look forward to continuing to work with MPPs of all political stripes to advance the interests of Ontario’s chicken farming families.”
The evening before the official start of Chicken Day, chicken farmers met with Minister Thompson where meaningful discussions transpired about Avian Influenza, the Grow Ontario Strategy, establishing an Animal Care FPT recognition protocol, and CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks. Thank you Minister Thompson for always being a strong advocate for Ontario chicken farmers.
Chicken farmers were grateful to have an opportunity to meet with Premier Ford to discuss the economic impact of the Ontario chicken industry, succession planning on farm, and highlight the positive impact chicken farmers have in their local communities. Thank you Premier for your continued support of the Ontario chicken industry and its 1,300 family-run farms in 330 communities across Ontario.
Chicken farmers also attended question period, where they were recognized in the Ontario Legislature for their commitment to providing safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken to Ontarians. In the evening, CFO was pleased to host the annual Chicken Wing Reception at Queen’s Park and set record attendance, with representatives of all parties voicing support for Ontario’s family-run chicken farms.
“Chicken Farmers of Ontario had an excellent day at Queen’s Park, and we are thrilled with all parties committing to continue to support CFO’s 1,300 family-run farms and renewing commitments to work with CFO to support the growth, innovation, and sustainability of the Ontario agriculture and agri-food supply chain,” said Denise Hockaday, CEO of Chicken Farmers of Ontario. “Chicken is the number one protein choice for Canadians, and through the responsible supply management system, Ontario consumers know that safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken is readily available for their families to enjoy.”
Chicken Farmers of Ontario represents 1,300 family-run farms, in over 330 communities across the province. Ontario’s chicken farmers are an integral part of the value chain, that supports 25,800 jobs and contributes over $5.2 billion in economic activity each year.
