Chicken industry hosts virtual farm tour for parliamentary interns

In a bid to foster understanding of Canadian agriculture practices among future leaders, Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) proudly sponsored a virtual farm tour for the twelve Parliamentary Interns participating in the Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP). The initiative aimed to provide insights into Canadian chicken farming excellence and the significance of supply management in the industry.

Joining the virtual tour alongside CFC were representatives from Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), including Scott Buchan, CFO Board Director, Rick Kaptein, CFC Board Director, and Andrea Veldhuizen, CFO 1st Vice-Chair. Together, they engaged in discussions with the Interns on various topics including supply management, animal care programs, food safety measures, antimicrobial reduction strategies, and sustainable farming practices.

Rick Kaptein expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “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.”

Supply management, a system highly supported by Canadians according to Kaptein, ensures a robust domestic food supply chain, an essential aspect highlighted during the discussions with the interns.

The decision to conduct a virtual tour was driven by biosecurity concerns. Given the potential risks posed by poultry diseases like Avian Influenza (AI), CFC and CFO opted for a 360° virtual tour of an Ontario broiler chicken farm. This decision ensured that the interns could witness the farming practices firsthand without any risk to biosecurity.

Commenting on the biosecurity measures, Kaptein emphasized the commitment of Canadian chicken farmers to uphold the highest standards of biosecurity, animal care, and food safety.

The PIP, a non-partisan initiative, provides young professionals and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the House of Commons while offering skilled support to Members of Parliament. CFC’s long-standing sponsorship of the program aligns with its goal of showcasing agricultural excellence in chicken farming and emphasizing the benefits of supply management to future leaders.

Chicken Farmers of Canada represents 2,800 chicken farmers nationwide, ensuring that the chicken reaching Canadians’ tables is safe, delicious, and raised to the highest standards. Meanwhile, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, with its 1,300 family-run farms across the province, plays a crucial role in supporting jobs and contributing to the economy.

The virtual tour offered the interns a glimpse into the intricate workings of a broiler chicken farm, from the care provided to the chicks upon arrival to their journey to market readiness. Through this initiative, CFC and CFO aimed to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation for the efforts of Canadian chicken farmers in providing safe and sustainable poultry products.

To view the virtual tour, click here.