Over ten years, the Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken will provide a total of $19.2 million for the Turkey Farmers of Canada and $25 million for the Chicken Farmers of Canada, totalling more than $44 million in support to improve the sectors’ market position.
Canada’s chicken and turkey farmers deliver the highest quality products to Canadians. By supporting industry efforts to grow the domestic turkey and chicken markets, the Government of Canada is helping farmers to grow their businesses and ensure continued prosperity of Canada’s agriculture sector.
In March Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Francis Drouin, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie Claude Bibeau, announced $3.5 million in funding under the Market Development Program for the Turkey Farmers of Canada and Chicken Farmers of Canada. Funding through this program will help increase domestic demand and consumption of Canadian turkey and chicken products through industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high quality poultry products.
Turkey Farmers of Canada will receive up to $2.5 million to expand Canadian consumer awareness of the benefits of turkey meat as a primary and alternative protein. Chicken Farmers of Canada will receive up to $1 million to promote to Canadians the excellence of Canadian chicken and the commitment of the farmers who raise them to providing safe, high quality chicken.
Funding under the Market Development Program will play a critical role in boosting the competitiveness of the poultry industry, while highlighting the commitment of our farmers to providing the best product for Canadian families. These investments will help ensure continued growth and prosperity for our poultry farmers, who help keep Canada’s rural communities strong and vibrant.
The Government of Canada is committed to providing full and fair compensation to supply-managed sectors for market access concessions made under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Growth for this industry will lead to to increased sales and drive economic growth to ensure a resilient agriculture sector.
“We are pleased with this announcement of the Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken”, said Darren Ference, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Canada. “The program will go a long way to support the turkey sector’s work in reaching consumers, and in promoting the wholesome and high-quality turkey raised by Canadian farmers.”
“The Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken will greatly assist in our sector’s continued promotion of the safe, high-quality chicken that farmers raise with care for Canadians. This program will enhance consumer engagement and continue to showcase Canadian-made products to Canadians”, said Tim Klompmaker, Chair, Chicken Farmers of Canada.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Government of Canada
