The industries will receive almost $700 million over 10 years
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Canada’s 4,800 chicken, turkey and egg farmers can now apply to receive compensation through a federal program.
The federal government is investing about $700 million in funding over the next decade through two support programs.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced in April that these programs were in the works.
These dollars provide compensation to the industries for market concessions made under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"Our government is delivering on its commitment to compensate supply-managed farmers for the impacts of recent trade agreements,” Minister Bibeau said in a statement Monday. This program, which (launched Monday), will help Canadian poultry and egg producers be more competitive and make their facilities even more sustainable.”
Approximately $647 million of the total amount will be distributed through the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP). Producers are entitled to amounts proportional to their quota holdings as of Jan. 1, 2021.
The sectors will receive the following amounts once farmers begin receiving payments in 2021-22:
- $347.3 million for chicken producers.
- $76.9 million for turkey producers.
- $134 million for egg producers.
- $88.6 million for broiler hatching egg producers.
An average chicken producer who produces 45,000 kg a year will have access up to $120,000.
Farmers can use PEFIP funding to support efficiency or biosecurity efforts on their farms.
Eligible projects include new barn construction or upgrades to feeding, watering and lighting equipment.
The federal government will cover up to 70 per cent of project costs and up to 85 per cent for young farmers (35 or younger as of Jan. 1, 2021).
Farmers have until March 31, 2030 to apply for PEFIP support.
The federal government will use the remaining money for the Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken.
This program will provide Turkey Farmers of Canada with $19.2 million and Chicken Farmers of Canada with $25 million over 10 years to help promote Canada’s high-quality and safe products.