Manitoba producers decry U.S. egg imports

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Published: February 28, 2002

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.

About the author

Ian Bell

Brandon bureau

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