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Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has released the results of its latest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), offering the most comprehensive picture to date of the environmental footprint of Canadian chicken production. Conducted by Groupe AGÉCO and measuring performance from 2016 to 2023, the study confirms that the sector has made meaningful progress in reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and strengthening sustainable production practices nationwide.
The LCA is an internationally recognized, science-based method aligned with ISO 14040 standards. It evaluates the environmental impacts associated with the production of one kilogram of eviscerated chicken—from feed and hatching to broiler barns, processing, and transportation. For CFC, this assessment is more than a technical exercise; it is a tool to measure progress, strengthen transparency, and guide future improvements.
The findings show that Canadian chicken farmers are moving in the right direction. Since 2016, the carbon footprint per kilogram of chicken has fallen by 6%, driven largely by a 6% improvement in feed conversion ratios and a shift toward lower-impact feed ingredients. The footprint of feed itself has decreased by approximately 10% over the same period. Water use remains stable, energy efficiency continues to improve across farms, and chicken production accounts for just 0.4% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
These improvements reflect the ongoing efforts of farmers who have been investing in better barn ventilation, enhanced insulation, smart barn technologies, and on-farm energy upgrades. The LCA confirms what many Canadians may not realize: chicken is already one of the most sustainable animal proteins available, and producers remain deeply committed to raising it in ways that minimize environmental impact.
For CFC, the release of the 2025 LCA marks not just an important benchmark, but a launching point for the next phase of sustainability leadership. The results provide momentum for continuous progress. Over the coming year, CFC will enhance its communication efforts to better showcase the impressive work being done on farms across the country and to highlight the dedication of farmers who are driving change from the ground up.
The message behind the LCA is clear: Canadian chicken is raised with care—for animals, for people, and for the planet. And with new data in hand, CFC is more committed than ever to building on this progress, engaging Canadians in the story of sustainable chicken production, and supporting farmers as they continue to lead the sector toward an even more responsible future.
