Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) is seeking applicants for the 2017 New Entrant Chicken Farmer Program, now in its fifth year. The program has provided a successful point of entry for new farming families to become successful and sustainable commercial chicken farmers within the Ontario supply managed system. CFO is looking to support the entry of up to five new farmers through this program over the next year.
CFO’s responsible governance model puts a high priority on programs that support the sustainable growth of the industry. The CFO New Entrant Chicken Farmer Program, which was designed to lower the financial barriers for those young or new farmers who want to start a chicken farming operation, is one of a number of programs which encourage the growth of the chicken farming industry in Ontario.
Other programs offered by CFO to encourage current and potential farming families to become chicken farmers include the quota-based Local Niche Markets Program and other non-quota based programs such as the Artisanal Chicken Program and the Specialty Breeds Chicken Program.
“CFO is continuously looking at ways to grow our industry and, since its launch in 2012, the New Entrant Chicken Farmer Program has proven to be effective in encouraging and supporting new entrepreneurial Ontarians to become chicken farmers,” said Henry Zantingh, Chair of CFO.
“We have been extremely pleased at the caliber and strength of the applications we have received for this program,“ said Rob Dougans, President and CEO of CFO. “Maintaining a strong and growing community of young farmers will help ensure that the chicken sector will continue to be a vibrant part of Ontario for years to come.”
The deadline for applications for the 2017 program is Oct. 31. Applicants will be reviewed by a select panel of financial and agricultural specialists who will then recommend a list of finalists to the CFO Board for approval. Up to five applicants will be accepted into the program for 2017.
