OTTAWA, ON – As proud sponsors of the Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP), Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) welcomed the twelve Parliamentary Interns to virtually visit a chicken farm to learn more about Canadian chicken farming excellence.

Alongside CFC, Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) also participated in the virtual farm tour with the Interns. Scott Buchan, CFO Board Director, Rick Kaptein, CFC Board Director, and Andrea Veldhuizen, CFO 1st Vice-Chair, traveled to Ottawa to speak about Canadian chicken farming to the 2023 – 2024 Parliamentary Interns. Discussions transpired around supply management, the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks Program, the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care and On-Farm Food Safety programs, responsible antimicrobial reduction strategy, and sustainable practices on-farm.

“Chicken farmers were thrilled to have this opportunity to engage with the Parliamentary Interns to showcase Canadian chicken farming excellence and the strength of the Canadian supply management system,” said Rick Kaptein. “Nine in ten Canadians support supply management and it is clear that the majority of Canadians recognize how important it is that Canada has a strong domestic food supply chain.”

The non-partisan Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP) is a unique opportunity for young professionals and recent university graduates aimed at increasing knowledge of the House of Commons and providing Members of Parliament with skilled support. CFC is a long time sponsor of PIP with the goal of showcasing agriculture excellence in chicken farming across Canada and the benefits of supply management to these future leaders.

CFC and CFO opted for a virtual tour of a chicken farm due to the potential for biosecurity risk. Poultry diseases, such as Avian Influenza (AI), pose a significant threat to poultry and the national food supply chain. Canadian chicken farmers are always committed to following the highest standard of biosecurity, animal care, and food safety measures. The most recent strain of AI was detected in Canada in early 2022 and since then, Canadian chicken farmers have implemented even more stringent biosecurity measures on-farm, to help prevent the spread. As a result, with the 360° virtual tour, Parliamentary Interns were able to view an Ontario broiler chicken barn without any biosecurity risk.

ABOUT CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA 

Chicken Farmers of Canada is responsible for chicken raised and sold commercially in Canada. Chicken Farmers of Canada represents the 2,800 chicken farmers from coast to coast, and ensures that the chicken that reaches Canadians’ tables is safe, delicious, and raised to the highest standards: yours.

ABOUT CHICKEN FARMERS OF ONTARIO 

Chicken Farmers of Ontario represents 1,300 family-run farms, in over 330 communities across the province. Ontario’s chicken farmers are an integral part of the value chain, that supports 28,900 jobs and contributes over $5.3 billion in economic activity each year.

FarmFood360° Virtual Reality Chicken Farm Tour

In this 360° video tour, you’ll get to see inside an Ontario broiler chicken farm. You’ll learn how chickens are cared for from the time they arrive as newly hatched chicks until they are ready for market. You’ll also learn what they eat, where they live, and how chicken farmers care for them.

ENGLISH VIDEO | FRENCH VIDEO

For more information, please contact:

Jean-François Bérubé, Senior Communications Officer, Chicken Farmers of Canada: (613) 566-5926

Kathryn Goodish, Senior Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, Chicken Farmers of Ontario: (289) 288-4201

Chicken Farmers of Ontario is online at www.ontariochicken.ca.