In response to market concessions made under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Government of Canada has announced compensation for broiler hatching eggs producers. This compensation comes in the form of: the ‘Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program’.

Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program

The ‘Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program’ has allocated funding of $88.6 million for Canadian broiler hatching egg producers over 10 years. The goal of this program is to increase the long-term competitiveness of Canadian products and make Canadian production more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This goal can be achieved by:

• facilitating producer-made investments for on-farm modernization
• supporting greater efficiency and competitiveness
• helping producers meet changing requirements for production practices
• supporting the sector in better responding to future market challenges

Applications for the program open later this spring. Allocated funds will be determined in proportion to quota holdings on January 1, 2021. Applications can continue even once the annual funding allocation is exceeded, and reimbursement will occur in a future fiscal year to avoid delaying projects.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will contribute up to 70% of project costs under this program. To encourage young farmers and the future of Canadian agriculture, applicants 35 years of age or under as of January 1, 2021 will receive up to 85% contribution of project costs from AAFC.

Furthermore, the program considers costs for eligible activities that started on or after March 19, 2019. It is important to note that the applicant assumes the risk of these costs should their project be deemed ineligible.

References:

https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/poultry-and-egg-on-farm-investment-program/?id=1567117439887

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2021/04/compensation-programs-for-chicken-turkey-and-egg-producers.html