Manitoulin chicken producer to re-file appeal on bird limit for those who don't own quota

Monday, June 9, 2014

by SUSAN MANN

Outspoken chicken industry critic Glenn Black says he will re-file an appeal challenging a Chicken Farmers of Ontario policy limiting the number of birds farmers can raise without owning quota to 300 a year.

Black of Manitoulin Island wants the limit changed to 2,000 birds annually without quota.

In a May 21 written decision, the Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal dismissed Black’s overall wide-ranging appeal of Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s conduct and the supply management system. But it did say he could re-file the appeal just on the 300-bird limit on production without quota.

Black says by email after the tribunal ruling was released he asked for opinions on how he should proceed. “I received nothing but encouragement,” he says.

Black notes he doesn’t relish pursuing another appeal but “I believe that re-filing my appeal must be done for the greatest good of all.”

Black plans to re-file his appeal within the 60 days allowed by the tribunal but first he’ll post the redrafted notice on his blog once its completed for people to review and comment. After that he’ll submit the appeal notice to the tribunal, he says.

Practical Farmers of Ontario also wants to see the limit changed but is working independently on the issue and, so far, has not filed an appeal with the tribunal. BF