Chicken farmers expand animal care program

Winnipeg, Man. – Canada’s poultry sector is celebrating the national implementation of the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s (CFC) Animal Care Program, thanks to a memorandum of understanding signed by all 10 provincial chicken marketing boards at the CFC’s Summer Meeting in Winnipeg.

The CFC Animal Care program specifies production requirements that ensure all poultry producers met high animal care standards. The program already has support from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council, the Further Poultry Processors Council, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.

The memorandum of understanding outlines the program’s implementation, as well as detailing certification services and the responsibilities of the CFC and the various chicken marketing boards.

The majority of chicken farmers are already certified under the program. That number is expected to grow as farmers undergo the animal care audit in conjunction with their annual on-farm food safety assurance program audit.