Canadian poultry and egg farmers started 2020 with every reason to believe the federal government would follow through with full and fair support to mitigate the impacts of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). However, Egg Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, and Canadian Hatching Egg Producers are disappointed that their members are still awaiting the details of these programs and initiatives.
Canada’s 4,700 poultry and egg farmers have lost a significant portion of their domestic market and stand to suffer losses of billions in net operating income because of the CPTPP, which entered into force in December 2018. In order to support our farmers as effectively as possible, our focus has been on programs and initiatives that strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our sectors and rural communities, and continue to deliver made-in-Canada food. This approach allows us to navigate the unique dynamics of our respective industries and to plan for the future.
We appreciate the government’s repeated vocal support for supply management, but find the current situation worrisome. Our farmers have been patient and cooperative, and need to see concrete action. The lack of movement on this file is concerning, especially since recommendations were put forward to the federal government almost a year ago.
Canadian poultry and egg farmers call upon the federal government to uphold its commitment and announce the programs that provide full and fair support to Canada’s poultry and egg sectors as they absorb the impacts of the CPTPP.
Egg Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada and Canadian Hatching Egg Producers are the voice of farmers in Canada’s supply-managed poultry and egg sectors. We are a stabilizing force in rural Canada and a part of Canada’s economic solution, contributing $11.1 billion to the GDP and supporting over 144,000 jobs.
