APRIL 26, 2023 – Ontario’s four feather boards – Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission and Turkey Farmers of Ontario – applaud the Government of Ontario’s announced investment of $13.5 million for the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre.
The Ontario Poultry Research Centre is a partnership between the Government of Ontario, through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), and the poultry sector’s four regulatory commodity boards.
Ontario’s four feather boards are committed to continued support of leading-edge research in disease prevention, flock management, food safety and sustainability, and are pleased to demonstrate this commitment through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to invest in the Ontario Poultry Research Centre.
As part of the Grow Ontario Strategy, the Ontario Poultry Research Centre will further strengthen Ontario’s food supply chain and set a clear course that the Ontario Government is committed to supporting and growing the agriculture and agri-food sector in the province. The four feather boards are committed to supporting the research and innovation needs necessary to advance the feather industry, and the broader Ontario agriculture and agri-food community.
The four feather boards look forward to working with the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Government of Ontario to advance the vision of continuing to innovate and grow the Ontario agriculture and agri-food sector.
QUOTES: “This investment in the Ontario Poultry Research Centre will not only support risk management and disease prevention, but also provide opportunities to improve on-farm efficiencies, enhance sustainable practices and to introduce new emerging technologies to Ontario farmers. Chicken Farmers of Ontario looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Thompson and the Ontario Government to establish the Ontario agriculture and agri-food industry as a global leader in research and innovation.” – Murray Opsteen, Chair, Chicken Farmers of Ontario
“The new Poultry Research Center in Elora will continue to advance important research that supports our industry to thrive and adopt innovations that generate sustainable and efficient growth. Egg Farmers of Ontario is eager to continue to work collaboratively with Minister Thompson and the Ontario Government towards building a strong and vibrant egg sector in Ontario.” – Scott Helps, Chair, Egg Farmers of Ontario
“The Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission is committed to this partnership as it drives innovative processes to meet new opportunities for our membership and industry. We thank Minister Thompson and the Ontario Government for their support and partnership as we work to continuously improve the agriculture and agri-food industry by enabling a strong research center to support the needs of the future hatching egg and chick sector.” – William Bearss, Chair, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission
“A strong and vibrant poultry sector supported by innovation and research will play a critical role in delivering safe and secure food supply for Ontarians and their families, while also strengthening the Ontario economy. Turkey Farmers of Ontario thanks Minister Thompson and the Ontario Government for their continued commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food sector in Ontario.” – Brian Ricker, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Ontario
Media Contact:
Stacey Langdon-Edwards, Communications Manager
stacey.edwards@ontariochicken.ca
