Producers of broiler-hatching eggs in Manitoba say they are losing
opportunities under the rules that govern their supply-managed industry.
They say their industry should be growing, but has instead been stifled
by regulations that have allowed increasing volumes of American broiler
hatching eggs into Manitoba.
The concerns began in 1995, after regulation changes allowed Canada’s
hatcheries to trade the designated share of the Canadian import
responsibility amongst themselves.
The trading has increased the volume of American hatching eggs coming
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into Manitoba, reducing demand for Manitoba’s hatching eggs.
“Federally we need restrictions to stop this serious threat to our
industry,” said Sheilagh Antoniuk, general manager of the Manitoba
Broiler Hatching Egg Commission.
“There’s a fair bit of leeway to drown Manitoba.”
Thirty farms produce broiler hatching eggs in Manitoba. Eggs are sold
to hatcheries, which produce chicks to supply the broiler industry.
There are 220,000 hens producing broiler hatching eggs in the province,
but Antoniuk said it could easily accommodate another 48,000 hens if
there was some way to moderate the increased influx of American eggs.
Another 48,000 hens would allow Manitoba producers to expand and
attract new producers.
But Antoniuk said the current scenario keeps producers at a standstill.
With demand for their eggs dwindling, they are reluctant to invest in
new technology that would make their operations more efficient.
Antoniuk said the industry is lobbying Ottawa for changes, since the
harm is caused by trade rules.
However, the commission also wants the Manitoba government to create a
domestic policy to defend Manitoba producers.
Antoniuk said broiler hatching egg producers do not want to restrict
the supply of eggs available.
“We need them or we’d be toast.”
But she said the hatchery and producer sectors both need to prosper.
Robert Muir, a broiler hatching egg producer from Russell, Man.,
travelled to Brandon Feb. 18 to plead his industry’s case before the
federal standing committee on agriculture.
In an interview, he said he wants changes that will allow his industry
to grow in step with the expansion being enjoyed by others in
Manitoba’s broiler industry.
“Until we can get this solved, our growth is going to be very
stagnated,” said Muir, vice-chair of the Manitoba Broiler Hatching Egg
Producers Association.
