Monday, May 15, 2023

Supply management ordered to be efficient


 The federal government’s mandate letter to the Farm Products Council of Canada puts the top priority “to promote the resilient, efficient and competitive production and marketing of regulated products . . .”


It’s not clear whether that means Canadian performance ought to be measured against the United States where producers operate with similar feed rations and genetics.


Canadian poultry farmers are protected by tariffs of more than 200 per cent and generally price their products close to the competition from imports.


The mandate letter said the challenge to the industry is “so the poultry and egg sectors can adapt to a changing market throughout the value chain.”


The mandate letter also calls for assurance “that Canadians, including those in remote locations, have consistent and reliable food supply chains during market disruptions caused by various issues, including labour shortages and disease outbreaks (e.g. avian influenza).


In that respect, the council newsletter for the first quarter this year said the Egg Farmers of Canada is to issue special temporary quota for 39.9 million dozen eggs.


The council also approved provincial levy increases for Ontario, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.