ARTISANAL CHICKEN: COMMITTED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP

ARTISANAL CHICKEN: COMMITTED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP

MEETING LOCAL DEMAND

Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s (CFO) Artisanal Chicken Program provides opportunities for small, independent farmers to meet local demands for safe, high-quality chicken. CFO is continually looking to meet the changing needs of Ontario chicken consumers and markets. The Artisanal Chicken program helps farmers fill local food and seasonal markets and gives Ontario consumers more choice and options in how and where they buy locally-grown chicken.

The Artisanal Chicken program is an annual, applicationbased program, beginning in the fall of each year. Once accepted into the program, farmers are issued a license and provided access to a wealth of on and offline resources which are designed to orient farmers into the program. Online resources focus on quality and safe farming practices, production, and marketing; offline, there are multiple training and coaching resources available to further support learning.

FARMING ARTISANAL CHICKEN

Under the Artisanal Chicken program, non-quota holding farmers who wish to grow between 600 and 3000 chickens each year can partner with independent processors to provide Artisanal Chicken for select identified markets. Prior to the development of this program, smaller-scale farmers in Ontario were limited to only growing up to 300 chickens per year for home consumption or farm-gate sales under the CFO Family Food Program.

Prospective applicants who want to grow chicken are required to complete an application form with details of their production, intended markets and pricing. Participation in the Raised by a Canadian Farmer On-Farm Food Safety Assurance Program (OFFSP) and the Animal Care Program is required to maintain biosecurity and industry standards which support the long-term sustainability of the chicken industry in Ontario.

With just under a decade in the market, the Artisanal Chicken program continues to attract a variety of farmers who are looking for a unique farming experience that offers

additional income with flexibility to traditional farming. CFO continues to work alongside, and support, Artisanal Chicken farmers in their efforts to grow safe, healthy, locally-grown Ontario chicken.

To learn more about the Artisanal Chicken program and where to purchase Artisanal Chicken visit artisanalchicken.ca