CFO Re-Opens Applications for Artisanal Chicken Program
Posted: March 2, 2016
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Ontario
Sustain Ontario members led a successful Flocking Options Campaign in 2015 that resulted in the Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s new Artisanal Chicken Program. According to the CFO, conditional license approval was granted to more than 80 local farmers from around the province in 2015. In February, the application process was re-opened for 2016.
The CFO reports that this application-based program was launched in response to stakeholder consultations with the expressed goal of helping to address gaps in the existing consumer marketplace for locally-grown chicken. It is designed for smaller scale, non-quota holding farmers who wish to grow between 600 and 3,000 chickens each year for select identified markets. Prior to the development of this program, smaller scale farmers in Ontario who chose not to purchase quota were limited to growing up to 300 chickens per year for home consumption or farm-gate sales under the Family Food program.
Need help deciphering the quota system? Sustain Ontario has more Flocking Options Resources including answers to basic questions, a free Supply Management 101 Webinar and more.