Chicken Farmers of Canada announces 2024 executive committee

Ottawa, April 18, 2024 — The Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has announced the election of its 2024 executive committee.

Following a decisive vote by the CFC Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting in March, the newly elected Executive Committee is poised to guide Canadian chicken farmers towards further growth and sustainability.

Leading the committee is the re-elected chair, Tim Klompmaker from Ontario. A stalwart of the industry, Klompmaker brings over four decades of experience to his role, having started farming in 1984. Hailing from Norwood, Ont., he is a third-generation chicken farmer and, along with his family, has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of poultry farming in Canada.

Joining Klompmaker is Nick de Graaf from Nova Scotia, elected as the first vice-chair. De Graaf, a third-generation poultry farmer, operates a farm established by his grandfather in the early 1960s. His commitment to innovation is evident through his involvement in the Innovative Poultry Group (IPG) and ownership of Maritime Chicks, a hatchery employing advanced technologies for poultry care.

Ray Nickel from British Columbia assumes the role of second vice-chair, bringing his expertise as a third-generation farmer in the Fraser Valley. With a degree in Ag Science from the University of British Columbia, Nickel’s leadership has been recognized through his previous roles as president of the B.C. Poultry Association and director of the turkey growers’ association.

Completing the executive lineup is Luce Bélanger from Quebec, serving as an Executive Member. Bélanger, a seasoned farmer from the Jacques-Cartier area, is known for her dedication to agricultural excellence. Alongside her poultry farming endeavors, she operates a farm gate vegetable kiosk, showcasing her commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The newly elected executive committee is poised to build upon CFC’s mission to lead and grow a sustainable Canadian chicken industry while enhancing value and trust for consumers. With a vision for Canadian chicken to be the preferred protein choice, the Committee is set to drive innovation and excellence in the sector.