Chicken Farmers of Ontario opens its own initiative to help new producers

It’s the final two weeks of the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) New Entrant Quota program and producers are being encouraged to apply now, before the November 1, 2024, deadline. This is a well-established initiative that allows new producers to enter the sector, with five entrants accepted this year, starting with 14,000 units minimum (which is the standard for all chicken producers in the province).

The program is set-up for producers to purchase their quota incrementally, starting with 4,000 units at the outset, 3,000 units at Years five and 10, and 4,000 units in Year 15. Only owned quota is saleable, although all quota held by the producer is eligible for general allotments. Producers are also allowed to participate in the CFO’s Market Development program, which permits them to ship some additional birds during the year of the program.

The New Entrant Quota initiative provides a 15-year financial projection with the application along with information on the production site, required permits and details on management. Applicants should pay attention to cash flow and large blocks of quota purchases at specific times.

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Primary qualifications for submitting an application for the CFO’s New Entrant Quota program include:

• Being a permanent resident of Ontario or a Canadian citizen (priority is given to those who do not -currently or in the past -have a financial interest or connection to a supply-managed sector)
• A 15-year commitment to the program
• Preparing a best practice Business Plan with a
  • business overview
  • production plan
  • marketing plan
  • financial plan (including a risk and sensitivity analysis)
  • human resources plan

Completed application packages consist of three components: the two-page application form, a detailed business plan and a $375 non-refundable fee. The full package must be emailed to: newentrantfarmer@ontariochicken.ca by 5:00pm, Friday, November 1, 2024.

Assessment process
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by members of an industry panel consisting of financial and farming experts, and then make their recommendations to the CFO Board of Directors.

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Need help?
As with most grant programs, the application process is extensive. Producers interested in learning more about this initiative can contact staff at Elite Agri Solutions for help in navigating through the Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s New Entrant Quota program’s details. Call 519 – 953 – 4479.