Proposed changes by Alberta Turkey Producers would see province reduce number of off-quota birds to 100 from 300
Some Alberta small turkey farmers are raising concerns over a change that would require them to reduce the number of birds they’re allowed to raise.
The proposed change by the Alberta Turkey Producers board calls for the reduction of off-quota birds from 300 to 100. Off-quota birds aren’t part of the supply management system and can be sold directly to consumers from the farm or at markets and restaurants.
Some small producers say the reduction would harm business, while the turkey board suggests it will create an even playing field for all producers.
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“This change would put me out of the turkey business because I can’t make a margin to 100 birds,” said Mandy Melnyk, who owns Meadow Creek Farms in Waskatenau, Alta.
While she supports supply management, she said keeping the off-quota number at 300 would allow producers like her to thrive and allow others to viably get into the business.
On the other hand, reducing the off-quota number would help ensure more turkey producers are following food safety and handling standards, said Maryann Urbanowski, the acting executive director with the Alberta Turkey Producers.
Urbanowski said producers who are part of the quota system have to meet those standards and be inspected, while off-quota farmers don’t. Both types of farmers can be seen side-by-side selling at farmers’ markets, she said.
“We’re not trying to drive people out of business. We want to level out that playing field.”
The changes will require approval from the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council, which regulates the province’s agriculture boards. The agency is expected to meet in mid-June over the issue.
If approved by the council, it will be up to government cabinet ministers to give it the final green light.
If enacted, producers who are over the 100-bird limit would be able to buy or lease up to 15,000 kilograms of quota from the board, said Urbanowski. Inspection would be required and if they reduce the number of birds they produce, they can return that quota back to the board for a refund.
If they want more than 15,000 kilograms, they would have to buy or lease quota from other producers who are selling it.
Melnyk said she hopes more farmers raise concerns to convince the marketing council the change is a bad idea. The National Farmers Union has also written a letter opposing the changes.
“Reducing the number of turkeys a small producer can raise annually runs counter to the goal of championing local food in Alberta,” wrote Glenn Norman, the Alberta representative for the union, noting free-range turkeys cost more to raise.
“We want both (off-quota and quota producers) to thrive.”
In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Urbanowski said the maximum number of off-quota birds farmers can raise is 99.
