Artisinal chicken producer workshop

Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) is holding its third annual workshop for producers who are enrolled in its Artisinal Chicken Farmers program.

The workshops are a place where growers can share information and tips and where speakers such as Dr. Scott Gillingham of Aviagen Inc. and veterinarian Dr. Mike Petric offer advice.

The chicken marketing board has licenced more than 150 growers to produce between 600 and 3,000 birds per year without requiring quota.

It is open to new applicants for the program that enables entrepreneurs to serve a wide range of consumer markets from farmers’ markets and local restaurants, to specialty butchers and farm-gate sales.

“The Artisanal Chicken Farmers are an inspiring group of people who continue to demonstrate their passion for farming through their desire to learn and improve their operations each and every year,” said board chairman Ed Benjamins.

“These farmers are incredibly entrepreneurial in finding innovative marketing strategies that resonate. We look forward to growing the program even further in the years to come.”

“The board is committed to meeting Ontario consumer needs and interests,” said Rob Dougans, president and chief executive officer for Chicken Farmers of Ontario.

“Our Artisanal farmers accomplish this goal at a local level in terms of meeting market, product, and consumer needs for premium Ontario chicken, giving Ontarians more choice in how and where they buy locally grown chicken.”