TORONTO, ON – Last week, Ed Benjamins, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario, and Denise Hockaday, CEO of Chicken Farmers of Ontario, attended the Ontario Food Summit, hosted by Minister Lisa Thompson, which brought together over 100 stakeholders who play key roles at each stage of Ontario’s food supply chain.
Discussions during the summit addressed strategies to strengthen and make the food supply chain more resilient, boost the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, and create jobs and economic growth across Ontario.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on the economy and society; however, the Ontario chicken industry has remained resilient and continues to keep it Chicken As Usual. Now more than ever, the importance of collaboration has been emphasized to ensure that Ontario’s food supply chain remains reliable, and resilient.
“The pandemic has demonstrated that the agriculture community is strongest when we are committed to shared collaboration and discussion. Together, we can deliver an environment that promises to ensure all Ontarians can access a stable supply of food,” said Ed Benjamins, Chair. “CFO is committed to working with our agriculture partners to ensure a continued resilient and stable Ontario food supply chain.”
CFO advanced many priorities throughout the Ontario Food Summit, including the importance of investments in critical in-barn research and the potential positive impacts these investments would have on Ontario chicken farmers and the broader agriculture sector.
“To further establish Ontario as a global leader in productivity, animal welfare, and food safety, in-barn research is essential to support not only Ontario farmers, but also support Ontario’s growth, competitiveness, and sustainability,” said Denise Hockaday, CEO. “This research would better enable Ontario’s chicken industry to meet existing and emerging consumer demands.”
CFO would like to thank Minister Lisa Thompson and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for hosting the Ontario Food Summit and facilitating further collaboration between farmers, agri-food businesses, Indigenous organizations, transportation services, and food service providers.
Source : CFO