Supply Management
Learn more about this exceptional Canadian food management system that works to balance the supply of fresh, high-quality eggs with consumer demand.
What is supply management?
Simply put, eggs, chicken, turkey, hatching eggs and dairy in Canada are delivered through a system of orderly marketing called supply management. For eggs, this system ensures a stable supply of eggs in the market to meet demand. Each year, the demand is anticipated and egg production is adjusted to meet the needs of Canadian consumers.
This system of supply management ensures farmers receive a stable income that covers their production costs and consumers always have a steady supply of safe, high-quality, local eggs.
The Pillars of Supply Management
Canada’s supply management system is based on three distinct pillars:
Production Controls
Since supply and demand are matched the result is market and price stability as farmers match supply to demand.
Price
The price that farmers receive for their eggs is based on a cost of production formula that ensure costs such as feed, fuel and equipment are covered. Since farmers are receiving a fair price for their eggs, this means they can invest in their farms and embrace innovations in animal welfare, farm management and the environment.
Border Controls
This pillar ensures that our system considers current trade agreements and import volumes of egg products. Since imports are predictable, domestic production can be efficiently planned and managed to meet Canadian demand.
Why is this important?
On-farm benefits
With farmer costs such as feed, fuel and equipment covered in the production of eggs, they are able to invest in their farms and adopt innovations in animal welfare, technology, food safety and sustainability.
Community
Given that egg farmers have a steady income, they are able to invest back into in their local communities in initiatives such as school nutrition programs, food banks, community events, and sports teams.
Family-run farms
With a strong and stable food system comes smaller, family-run farms that are protected and viable for future generations.
A sustainable choice
Since egg production is matched to consumer demand, food waste is diminished by avoiding unnecessary production.
Supply Management – The Special Ingredient
Most family recipes that have been passed down for generations contain that one special ingredient that sets them apart from others.
Much like that trusted element, supply management acts as the special ingredient for Canada’s food system. The end result is a strong and stable system that provides safe, high-quality Canadian ingredients like eggs, milk and poultry for each and every generation of your family.
To learn more about Canada’s supply management system, visit protectsupplymanagement.ca.
