Chicken processors appeal Chicken Farmers of Ontario specialty chicken policy

Thursday, December 5, 2013

by SUSAN MANN

The appeal by the Association of Ontario Chicken Processors of Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s specialty chicken policy is scheduled for two days next week.

It’s taking place before the Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal on Wednesday and Thursday at the Ontario government building on Stone Road.

Chicken processors association executive director Mike Terpstra says he didn’t want to comment on the appeal. The association is a voluntary trade group representing members on matters related to regulated marketing and other common items.

Chicken Farmers of Ontario launched its specialty chicken program this year. It’s designed to meet the evolving consumer-driven markets for Ontario-grown chicken products, it says on Chicken Farmers website. Specialty chicken is defined as any distinct chicken product, including unique growing or processing methods, that’s sold exclusively to a distinct marketplace. The program is designed to build the overall market for chicken without cannibalizing conventional chicken markets. BF