Chicken Farmers of Canada Re- 12 the Importance & Value of the Wins Award! Leases 2Nd Sustainability Report VCP Relationship

Home , Bardish Chagger, Carolyn Bennett, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Jacques Gourde, Jim Carr, Judy Sgro

THE chicken FARMERVolume 21, Issue 1-2 | SPRING 2019

Revised Canada’s Food Guide Released

On January 22nd, Canada’s Health Minister held a press conference to announce a new food guide. This is one part of Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy that the government launched back in 2016. The food guide revision, along with food labelling changes, and restrictions on marketing to children are how the government aims to help make the healthier choice the easier choice.

Highlights from the new food guide include: »» Actionable advice for Canadians on healthy food choices and healthy eating habits including cooking more often and being mindful of eating habits »» Updated recommendations on saturated fat, sodium, and sugars including guidance on confectioneries and sugary drinks such as soft drinks, sweetened milk and juice »» Mobile-responsive web content to support Canadians to eat healthy whenever, and wherever they go continued on page 2 in this issue

3 CFC’s Animal Care Program 9 Chicken Farmers of Canada Re- 12 The importance & value of the Wins Award! leases 2nd Sustainability Report VCP relationship

4 Recent Trade Developments 10 Pathogen Reduction Initiatives – 14 Another Successful Third-Party What you need to know Audit for the Raised by a Canadian 6 2018 Year in Review Farmer Animal Care and Food 11 Donation to Ottawa Food Bank Safety Programs

www.chicken.ca Editor: Marty Brett – [email protected] www.chickenfarmers.ca Graphic Designer: Karen Ronayne – [email protected] continued from page 1

Vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein foods »» There are health risks associated with alcohol should be consumed regularly. Among protein consumption foods, consume plant-based more often. Why? »» Foods and beverages offered in publicly Patterns of eating that emphasize plant-based funded institutions should align with Canada’s foods typically result in higher intakes of Dietary Guidelines vegetables and fruit, nuts, soy protein, and fibre; »» Cooking and food preparation using nutritious and lower intake of processed meats and foods foods should be promoted as a practical way to that contain mostly saturated fat. support healthy eating »» Food labels should be promoted as a tool to »» Eating more vegetables and fruit is linked to a help Canadians make informed food choices lower risk of cardiovascular disease »» Eating more nuts or soy protein is linked to The release included a couple of the tools for the improved blood lipid levels new guide, with more to come later this year. »» Higher fibre intake is linked to improved blood We’ve circled what we think is the chicken in red lipid levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular on the artwork included in phase 1 of the launch. disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes »» Processed meat has been linked to colorectal WHAT’S NEXT? cancer and foods that contain mostly saturated The new guide is a big change from the last fat are linked to unfavourable blood lipid levels version. CFC will continue to monitor the and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes rollout, and the materials that are being prepared »» Protein foods include legumes, nuts, seeds, for health professionals, and the public. tofu, fortified soy beverage, fish, shellfish, eggs, poultry, lean red meat including wild game, In our own materials, publications, social media, lower fat milk, lower fat yogurts, lower fat and advertising we will continue to highlight kefir, and cheeses lower in fat and sodium. This the benefits of including chicken as part of a is being promoted through all the documents healthy diet and to use visuals such as the one that we circulated right after the guide launched There are other guidelines, as well: to remind Canadians that chicken is still part of the food guide. »» Foods that contain mostly unsaturated fat should replace foods that contain mostly For more information about the Food Guide please saturated fat refer to: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/ »» Water should be the beverage of choice »» Processed or prepared foods and beverages that And for CFC’s Nutrient Analysis Report, it can https://www.chicken.ca/health/ contribute to excess sodium, free sugars, or be found at: view/78/nutrient-analysis-report-fresh- saturated fat undermine healthy eating and should not be consumed regularly canadian-chicken

2 CFC’s Animal Care Program Wins Award! At a gala dinner held on Wednesday, January 30th, it was announced that Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) had won a DUX Grand Prix Award for its innovation in the Producer (Technology and New Farming Practices) category!

This is a great announcement for to the rest of Canada, and includes the CFC, as it gives our program and our participation of several national food brand additional credibility in the organizations and companies. eyes of consumers, foodservice, and The program is a vast movement of government. leaders who seek to improve their “Canada’s 2,800 chicken farmers products, the environment and from coast to coast are proud to dietary choices to promote health and have a program that demonstrates wellness among their communities. to consumers that we are delivering When the program started in 2011, upon their expectations by providing it only targeted companies. It now world class, mandatory, and third- rewards players in the agrifood sector party audited animal care,” said Benoît for their health-focused innovations, Fontaine, Chair of CFC, during the and contributions to agriculture that acceptance speech. deliver on consumer expectations. It goes beyond simple bragging rights Within that framework, there is the – this is a renowned award that that DUX Grand Prix Awards to publicly recognizes the programs that make the honour action and innovation by Raised by a Canadian Farmer brand recognizing leaders in agriculture, in so unique and the optimal choice for healthy nutrition, in education and industry partners to promote as well. in consumer understanding. “The Animal Care Program is one part During the DUX Gala, over 20 of the Raised by a Canadian Farmer awards are presented in these brand, and it is a part from which are three board categories: Products, farmers derive a great deal of pride,” Communications, and Projects. The said Fontaine. “Canadian chicken is a jury is composed of some thirty nutritious choice for Canadian family, personalities who have diverse and it’s raised by farmer you can trust.” expertise in health promotion and agri-food industry (with a minimum ABOUT THE DUX AWARDS of 8 people per category). Nominees The DUX Eat Better, Live Better positions their organizations as leaders program was created by Edikom, a in the industry through initiatives leading communications firm in the encouraging healthy eating habits and food industry. It was created initially meeting consumer needs. in Quebec, to recognize Quebec-based (FYI, “Dux” comes from the Latin for companies that contribute to healthier “leader.”) diets. Soon after, it was expanded out

3 Recent Trade Developments

THE COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP The implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) officially began on December 30, 2018 with the opening of 326,417 kg of chicken market access, the equivalent of one month of the Year 1 commitment of 3.9 million kilograms (Mkg). Year 2 of the agreement’s implementation commenced two days later on January 1, 2019, when an additional 7.8 Mkg of duty-free access became available to imports of chicken meat from fellow CPTPP countries.

Although it has not yet completed its the Canadian chicken market, meaning Trade Promotion Authority law, once ratification of the agreement, Chile that this duty-free access will be a trade treaty has been signed, the is expected to be able to take full available only to products originating U.S. President has 60 days to submit advantage of its ability to fill 100% of from the U.S. Having thus minimized to Congress a list of the changes that Canada’s 2019 CPTPP chicken Tariff the competition it currently faces from would be required to U.S. law, and Rate Quota (TRQ) long before the Brazil and Thailand – Canada’s second the International Trade Commission end of this year. and third largest sources of imports (ITC) has 105 days to submit its – the U.S. has assured its position report on the economic impact of the THE CANADA-UNITED as Canada’s number one source of trade agreement. The ratification bill STATES-MEXICO AGREEMENT chicken imports. Once the CUSMA’s will then be introduced to the U.S. The Canada-United States-Mexico 15-year implementation period is Congress. Once it passes through the Agreement (CUSMA) was formally finalized, Canada will have granted House of Representatives and the signed by U.S. President Donald an additional 12.7 Mkg of chicken Senate with a simple majority, the Trump, outgoing Mexican President market access to the U.S., increasing President can issue a proclamation that Enrique Peña Nieto, and Canadian the current access of 7.5% of Canadian will bring into effect the agreement’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau production to 8.5%. ratification and implementation. at a ceremony held alongside the For Canada and Mexico, the CPTPP In accordance with the Trade G20 Leader’s Summit in Buenos ratification process is expected to Promotion Authority law, U.S. Trade Aires on November 30, 2018. The proceed swiftly and with minimal Representative Robert Lighthizer implementation of this new North opposition. In Canada, the process submitted the list of required legislative American trade pact will take place on requires the implementing bill to changes to Congress on January 29, the first day of the third month after be submitted first to the House and 2019. While the ITC should have all parties have ratified it. then the Senate for consideration and had its report submitted by March Through CUSMA, the U.S. secured approval. These steps completed, the 15, 2019, the U.S. federal government 62.9 Mkg of country-specific access to bill will then undergo Royal Assent shutdown that ran from December 22, and become enforceable by law. In 2018 to January 25, 2019 has delayed Mexico, the process is even more the report’s release until possibly THIS INCREASE IN ACCESS streamlined. Once a Senate majority April 19th. Even once the ITC is able IS EXPECTED TO RESULT approves the treaty, the President of to complete its report, the political Mexico can decree the law into force tensions between the Democratic-led IN ANNUAL LOSSES OF and the agreement will be considered House of Representative and the $240 MILLION IN GDP implemented and enforceable. Republican-held Senate could still scuttle the agreement’s progress Although the ratification and CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE towards ratification. Consequently, implementation processes for the international trade observers are CANADIAN ECONOMY, United States are also well known, the keeping a close on eye on events in current political environment there has AS WELL AS 3,100 JOBS the U.S., as they will determine when produced uncertainties surrounding the CUSMA finally comes into effect. NATION-WIDE. their timelines. According to the 2015

4 UPDATE ON THE AAFC Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has As well, the issue of broiler meat being POULTRY AND EGG presented the government with ideas fraudulently imported as spent fowl WORKING GROUP for mitigating measures that would aid must be resolved by including the producers adjust to the increased influx of DNA test that can distinguish between Based on 2017 production, once both imports. These include the development broiler meat and spent fowl in customs the CPTPP and the CUSMA have of an investment tax credit program that verification processes. fully entered into force, the combined would support producers as they invest in chicken market access conceded by Finally, the government must commit further improvements to their operations, Canada will increase from the 7.5% to ensuring that no further access to the a market development fund that would of annual production it was prior Canadian chicken market is conceded help promote Canadian-raised chicken a to the agreements to 10.7%. This in future trade agreements, such as the TRQ allocation methodology designed increase in access is expected to result ongoing Mercosur FTA talks, or in any to ensure minimal market distortions, in annual losses of $240 million in future WTO discussions. and the enforcement of Canadian GDP contributions to the Canadian production standards on imports. economy, as well as 3,100 jobs nation- CFC looks forward to collaborating with the Government of Canada wide. Overwhelmingly, these impacts Furthermore, CFC representatives have through this working group to support will be felt in rural communities. insisted that it is now critical for the the short- and long-term interests of government to improve the control of The Government of Canada has imports to ensure that the domestic Canadian chicken farmers. convened a poultry and egg working market is no longer subject to leakages group to focus on designing strategies or illegal imports. For instance, the that ensure these sectors are able to Duties Relief Program must be adjusted adjust to the new levels of market to suit the realities of the chicken access and continue to succeed despite sector by banning the substitution and them. The group started meeting in marination of imported chicken and December with the aim of concluding reducing the allowed time to re-export its discussions by the end of March. from the current 4-year.

5 HillWatch 2018 Year in Review

CHICKEN FARMERS OF Halifax, in April and August respectively. CANADA’S GOVERNMENT Representatives attend these biennial RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS events in hopes of building relationships with Parliamentarians, their staff, and Lobby Day grassroots members, while ensuring the The 2018 Chicken Farmers of Canada’s voice of the Canadian chicken industry (CFC) Lobby Day was held on May is heard. 29th. CFC Directors and provincial board members spread out over NAFTA negotiations Parliament Hill and participated in Launched in 2017, the NAFTA over 90 meetings with over 100 people, renegotiations concluded in late including Ministers, Parliamentary September of 2018. Chicken Farmers Secretaries, MPs, Senators, and Hill of Canada representatives attended staffers, discussing how they can every agriculture negotiating round better help and support the Canadian throughout the year. The new deal, chicken industry. This annual event is coined the Canada-United States-Mexico an important activity in the Chicken Agreement (CUSMA), granted the US Farmers of Canada government relations 62.9 million kg of country-specific access strategy, by building relationships, to the Canadian chicken market. Once discussing our issues, and creating fully implemented, Canada will provide awareness of our industry and our brand. a further 12.7 million kg of CUSMA market access, in addition to the current Prime Minister at the Downtown Diner level of 90.1 million kg. The annual SM5 Downtown Diner on Sparks Street in Ottawa had a special Joint Annual Reception guest in 2018 – Prime Minister Justin SM4 groups and producers hosted their Trudeau! The PM stopped by with Joint Annual Reception at the end of Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay March in Ottawa. Attendees included to chat with farmers about trade and the Parliamentarians, and chicken, turkey, importance of supply management. egg, and hatching egg producers from all over the country. Treasury Board President Party Conventions and MP Scott Brison whose riding in CFC staff and representatives attended Nova Scotia contains the most poultry the Liberal and Conservative party farms in the province gave remarks on policy conventions both held in behalf of the federal government.

6 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Lawrence MacAulay meet with SM5 representatives at the 2018 Downtown Diner held in Ottawa in June.

Farm Tours FPT the Canadian chicken sector such as Chicken Farmers of Canada hosted The CFA held a roundtable with animal care, supply management, and two farm tours with MPs in 2018. Federal, Provincial, and Territorial processing. Competing with a number of Of note, Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, Ministers in July to discuss emerging other events that evening, the showcase the Minister of Health visited a farm topics of importance in agriculture. The was still very well attended by MPs, outside of Moncton, NB to learn roundtable featured opening remarks Senators, staffers, and industry invitees. how the important work Canadian from Agriculture and Agri-Food Two thousand dollars was donated to the chicken farmers do keeps the birds and Minister Lawrence MacAulay, as well Ottawa Food Bank as a result of guests Canadians’ food safe. as the host-Minister of Agriculture from spinning our “Wheel of Chicken”. BC, Lana Popham. The key discussion For more about the event and some CFA topic was the Agri-Food Economic pictures, see page 39 of the Hill Times: Strategy Table and how the FPT www.hilltimes.com/wp-content/ The Canadian Federation of Agriculture uploads/2018/11/112618_ht.pdf focused on some important initiatives governments can address the barriers and see it here on page 8. in 2018. Whether it was the ongoing to growth and better collaborate with industry on the strategy. FPT Ministers NAFTA negotiations, labour shortages, Healthy Eating Strategy BRM review, or the Agri-Food Strategy then met for the remainder of the week Table recommendations, CFA to address trade issues, the ongoing Health Canada has been developing represented the voice of Canadian BRM review, the Agri-Food Economic a new strategy that aims to improve farmers. As CFA members, CFC Strategy Table’s recommendations, and the food environment in Canada to participated in a number of these the cannabis industry. make it easier for Canadians to make discussions, including the annual healthier choices. As such, CFC lobbied Industry Showcase roundtable with Federal-Provincial- the Minister of Health and her office in Territorial (FPT) agriculture Ministers CFC hosted an industry showcase in 2018 pertaining to the introduction of and annual Lobby Day. late November on Parliament Hill, Front-of-Pack labelling and proposed highlighting a variety of aspects of changes to the Canada Food Guide.

7 THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2018 39 MPs cheer for chicken at the Party Central annual showcase on the Hill The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade by Emily Haws Chicken Farmers party with Olympians, while MacAulay celebrates 30 years, and Olympic Rio swimmer Hillary Caldwell stands with Swimming Canada’s Nathan Newfoundland Shed shindig Conservative MP Kerry Diotte spins the Wheel of Chicken, which tests White looking at the Rio Bronze Olympic draws hundreds one’s knowledge of food labels. medal, while another guest looks on.

spends most of her time in the pool coach- Now-retired Rio Olympic ing or mentoring. After competing at the Olympic level, she said it can be diffi cult to swimmers Brittany McLean swim recreationally. and Hillary Caldwell were at Party Central walked into Mr. MacAu- lay’s party while a video of him throughout the Chicken Farmers’ event, the years was playing, which ended with Mr. MacAulay himself thanking the crowd promoting a partnership for supporting him and his wife, Frances. Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s Tim Green Party Leader Elizabeth Quite a few Liberal ministers were spotted Liberal MP Denis Paradis and Stuart Klompmaker, and Liberal MP Francis May and Chicken Farmers of between the Chicken in the crowd, including Health Minister Nikkel, Manitoba Chicken Producers. Drouin. Canada’s Lauren Kennedy. Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, Crown-Indigenous Farmers and Swimming Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Gov- Canada. ernment House Leader Bardish Chagger, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister MacAulay celebrates 30 years on f you were looking to party hop last Dominic LeBlanc, who was looking fash- Iweek, Nov. 21 would have been the night ionable in a sealskin coat. Parliament Hill ...’MAAAGINE! Sustainability for you. At least fi ve parties in the Parlia- Conservative MP Steven Blaney told mentary Precinct had people mingling, jiv- Party Central about a trip he took with Mr. ing, and sharing a bite to eat with friends. MacAulay that really bonded them togeth- The Sir John A Macdonald Building had er, despite sitting on opposite sides of the a distinctly Atlantic fl are to it that night, aisle. Mr. Blaney was one of several guests with the Newfoundland and Labrador wearing MacAulay-themed buttons, which Tourism Association holding its second he said he found on the tables throughout annual Newfoundland Shed Party in the the room. building, and in a room nearby, Agriculture Later in the night, Mr. Blaney was Minister Lawrence MacAulay held a party spotted talking to Defence Minister Harjit th to celebrate his 30 consecutive year as an Sajjan, who also hit up the nearby Shed elected Member of Parliament. Party later in the night. Though Party The Chicken Farmers of Canada also Central missed it amid the night’s party Intergovernmental Affairs Minister held its annual showcase in the Wellington hopping, social media confi rmed Prime Dominic LeBlanc and Senate Speaker Guests sported many Building; the Canadian Medical Associa- Minister Justin Trudeau was at the party to George Furey. Mr. MacAulay thanks the crowd. buttons of Mr. MacAulay. tion held its second annual Hill reception celebrate Mr. MacAulay and spoke a few at the National Arts Centre; and the Fed- words. eration of Canadian Municipalities’ held an Others celebrating Mr. MacAulay’s long advocacy days reception in the Drawing tenure included House Speaker Geoff Re- Room of the Château Laurier. gan, Senate Speaker George Furey, PMO Party Central started at the Chicken Canada-U.S. relations director Brian Clow, Farmers’ showcase, which was invite only, and Liberal MPs Kyle Peterson, Judy Sgro, then headed to Mr. MacAulay’s reception, and Roger Cuzner, and Alexandra Mendès fi nally popped into the Newfoundland Shed were also spotted, but with more than 300 Party. All three were hopping, and party hop- people in the room there were probably ping seemed to be the key theme of the night. many others. Several young children were The Chicken Farmers’ party featured also in the room. several hors d’oeuvres, including a cold The food looked to be simple platter kabob consisting of chicken, cheese, and fare, such as fruit, cheese, and veggies, but Mr. MacAulay and Health Minister Ginette Petitpas-Taylor. Trade Minister Jim Carr, right, in conversation. apples covered in a sweet cinnamon glaze. most was eaten by the time Party Central The main dish of the night was a hard shell arrived. Mr. MacAulay’s party was not as taco with pulled chicken, along with cur- liberal on the libations, it seems, as it was a ried, coconut, or soy breaded chicken. The cash bar. food was good, but a few people remarked Anyone looking for a drink, of course, the taco shells were a bit stale. could just head to the Shed Party down- As expected, MPs from rural ridings stairs, where craft Newfoundland spirits came out in force, including Liberal Francis were on the menu. Newfoundland screech Drouin, Conservatives Bev Shipley, Ed chocolates were also on sample, as were Dreesheen, Luc Berthold, Cheryl Gal- other Newfoundland-inspired eats. It was lant, Jacques Gourde, James Bezan, Denis diffi cult to hear anyone in any of the three Paradis, Kerry Diotte, and NDP Alistair parties that night, but particularly so at this MacGregor. Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Du- shindig amongst the large crowd and loud val and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May Newfoundland music. Mr. Trudeau even were also spotted. stopped by to sing a tune, with a video clip The most interesting guests of the night shared by Veterans Affairs Minister Sea- were probably former Olympic swimmers mus O’Regan on social media. Certificate & Advanced Certificate in Lean for the public sector Brittany McLean and Hillary Caldwell, Gerald Butts, Mr. Trudeau’s principal who were both medalists at the 2016 secretary, was in the crowd, as was Na- Rio Summer Olympics. They were there tional Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthilli- Alpen Path Solutions promoting the partnership between the er. CTV News’ Rachels, including Rachel Lean Training Centre & Micro Lab Chicken Farmers’ and Swimming Canada, Aiello, Rachel Gilmore, and Rachel Swatek and Ms. McLean told Party Central about were also spotted, along with their new col- alpenpathsolutions.com/training • 613.680.2953 what it’s like to be a retired swimmer. league Annie Bergeron Oliver. While she still loves the sport, she said [email protected] she’s expanding her repertoire, and now The Hill Times OVER 25 YEARS OF GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE

8 Chicken Farmers of Canada Releases Second Sustainability Report Sustainability is important to Canadian consumers. They want to know Chicken Farmers of Canada’s where their food comes from and they want to know that the work Sustainability behind producing it is environmentally, economically and socially Report sustainable – chicken farmers deliver.

This is the message addressed. It can also improve industry’s social license and Chicken Farmers assurance to consumers that chicken is safe and produced Committed to of Canada’s (CFC) in an efficient and responsible way. Sustainability recently updated Sustainability The key findings are as follows: Report. »» Considering the average carbon footprint of chicken October/2018 It provides a high-level summary around the world, Canadian chicken has one of the chickenfarmers.ca producteursdepoulet.ca of all the work that lowest carbon footprints of all Canada’s chicken »» Since 1976, environmental performance significantly farmers are doing improved because of major productivity gains and to keep the industry sustainable. The report covers all significant improvements in feed conversion ratio:

Sustainability aspects from our robust and credible on-farm programs, --There has been a 37% reduction in the carbon to our positive results from the recent life cycle assessment, footprint per kg of chicken produced right through to the stability and value provided by our --There was also a 45% reduction in water consump- supply management system. tion per kg of chicken in the same timeframe, This new report reaffirms the objectives and values of our »» Per kilogram of protein, the carbon footprint of Sustainability Excellence Commitment that was launched Canadian chicken is lower than that of other livestock in 2016. Our key values of sustainability are: commodities produced in North America »» 62% of the entire sector’s total energy use comes from »» Protecting bird health and welfare renewable sources, with chicken feed accounting for »» Producing safe chicken for Canadians the bulk of renewable energy consumption »» Preserving the health of the land and of our farms »» Over 90% of Canadian chicken farmers are engaged »» Providing value to Canada, and affordable food to in their communities by providing free services Canadians through supply management to community members or by being engaged in A notable addition to this report is the inclusion of some municipal or regional organizations results from the life cycle assessment (LCA) that was »» Over 90% of Canadian chicken farmers pay their workers recently completed with the help of the entire chicken a salary over the provincial minimum wage and about supply chain. An LCA is an internationally-recognized 70% offer their employees benefits such as insurance and approach to assess the impacts associated with all of the bonuses in addition to other benefits in kind stages of a product’s life. There is a well-established protocol for LCA subject to ISO (International Organization for These findings are very strong messages to communicate Standardization) methodology. about the excellent environmental and social performance of our sector. CFC will be working throughout 2019 to The environmental LCA provided the chicken industry promote these messages, as well as the overall messages in with benchmarks for its carbon footprint, and water and the Sustainability Report, to consumers, government, and energy usage, while the social LCA provided a qualitative stakeholders in the retail and restaurant sectors. This will be in assessment of the industry’s socioeconomic performance. a number of different ways, including print ads, social media Conducting an LCA is part of our strategy to support and video content, as well as letters and in-person meetings. our industry’s work in maintaining consumer and buyer confidence that supply chain risks are adequately Our industry has a great story to tell.

9 Pathogen Reduction Initiatives – What you need to know Part of the work that Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) does is to monitor the pressures on our industry and determine if any actions or mitigation steps should be taken to reduce risks. Over the last few years, there has been significant external pressure mounting regarding pathogen reduction in poultry and CFC has been actively engaged with the government on this.

MAJOR GOVERNMENT these meetings have evolved into more surveillance options and management PRIORITY – AND HERE TO STAY operational discussions about on-farm protocols to reduce SE along the supply The Public Health Agency of Canada surveillance and mitigation strategies. chain. The goal will be centered around a public health target for number of (PHAC) has issued a number of public The high priority on this file has been illnesses, rather than setting prevalence health notices regarding outbreaks of made clear by government, and will limits for each sector. A lot remains to be Salmonella illness linked to raw chicken, remain this way for the foreseeable determined in terms of the operational including frozen raw breaded chicken, future. This is also reflected in CFC’s issues of surveillance and mitigation over the past two years. These have work, as pathogen reduction was measures, and this will be a focus for the stemmed from 15 different outbreak deemed to be a critical priority for the CFC Production Committee in 2019. investigations across the country related organization in 2019. mainly to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), What is clear is that movement on In addition to government attention but also other serotypes. this issue is necessary to address the to this issue, Salmonella illness has had public health concern and to maintain Underscoring the importance of this a fair bit of media coverage in the last consumer and government confidence issue, a statement from the Council of couple of years, and most of it is focused in our product and programs. CFC Chief Medical Officers of Health was on chicken. released in the Fall about the risk of will continue to keep farmers updated Salmonella illness from raw chicken (i.e. PRESSURE TO ACT throughout this process. not just frozen raw breaded product). CFIA took steps last year to mandate They called for immediate action to COMMUNICATION EFFORTS maximum Salmonella levels in frozen While food safety begins on the farm, prevent these illnesses and ensure the raw breaded chicken products, but it consumers also have a role to play. To safety of Canadians. has been clear through discussions that this end, both CFC and the federal they are concerned about Salmonella in Multiple levels of government have government have a number of resources all types of raw poultry. The industry- been engaging the entire poultry to educate consumers on proper cooking government pathogen reduction supply chain for several years to discuss and safe food handling practices. pathogen reduction, and in the past year working group is now examining

10 CFC will continue to communicate of time without showing any clinical Clinical infection of broilers with SE this message, and also to implement the signs. This is thought to be the main is less common but can occur. Signs Raised by a Canadian Farmer On-Farm risk factor for salmonellosis illness in may include depressed, ruffled feathers, Food Safety Program (OFFSP) which humans, as the bacteria can transmit in closed eyes, diarrhea, vent pasting, loss of has been in place since 1998 with poultry meat to humans. appetite and thirst, or stunting in older great success. When engaging with the birds. In addition to good biosecurity SE can be present in chickens through both government on issues like pathogen and management practices, vaccines vertical and horizontal transmission and reduction, being able to speak about and probiotics can help in addressing contamination of feed and feed ingredients the success and credibility of OFFSP Salmonella and advice on these can be is possible but less common than for goes a long way in demonstrating the obtained from your vet. other serotypes. Other sources to consider commitment of all farmers to producing include bedding, water sources, rodents, safe food for Canadians. Sources: darkling beetles, and cross contamination from people, previous flocks or equipment; https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION digestive-system/salmonellosis/ ON SE IN CHICKENS the requirements in the OFFSP address these risks. The bacteria are often persistent overview-of-salmonellosis SE is a specific Salmonella serotype of in the environment, especially in dry dusty interest because of its link to human http://www.thepoultrysite.com/ areas, but are susceptible to disinfectants illness cases and because there are diseaseinfo/133/salmonellosis-s- when used properly. differences in its epidemiology as enteritidis-and-s-typhimurium- compared to other salmonellae. The The usual route of infection for SE is infections/ most common type of infection is the fecal-oral, although infection through https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ carrier state, in which infected animals the upper respiratory tract and the article/pii/S1198743X15010307 carry the pathogen for a variable period conjunctiva have also been reported.

Donation to Ottawa Food Bank Chicken Farmers of Canada firmly believes that it’s important to give back to our communities and support those that are less fortunate. We believe that every Canadian should have access to a healthy source of protein, and we believe that we can make a contribution to help make that happen.

We have been proud partners and supporters of the Ottawa Food Bank since 2007 and continue to find new ways to work together to fight hunger in Canada’s capital. Each year, through the Chicken Challenge food donation program and staff donations, we continue to support the mission of the Ottawa Food Bank. The annual Chicken Challenge food donation program provided another $50,000 worth of frozen chicken products to the Ottawa Food Bank. This was the ninth successful year of the program, which solicits bids for frozen chicken products from a Canadian processor to be donated to the food bank. In addition, $4,500 was collected through yearlong staff donations and 50% matching Chicken Farmers of Canada donations. Altogether, nearly $54,500 was donated in 2018. This brings the total contribution to the food bank since we became partners and supporters in 2007 to over $544,500!

11 The importance and value of the Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship

TWO IMPORTANT DATES HAVE RECENTLY PASSED FOR CHICKEN FARMERS IN CANADA. As of December 1, 2018, Health Canada moved all medically important antimicrobials (Category I, II, and III) to the Prescription Drug List. This means that these antimicrobials can now only be obtained with a vet prescription (requiring an effective relationship with a veterinarian, or VCPR) and are no longer available over the counter.

Shortly after, on January 1, 2019, the WHAT IS A VCPR? signing a contract with a veterinarian. revised Raised by a Canadian Farmer The veterinarian-client-patient Rather, the medical records must show Animal Care Program came into effect, relationship (VCPR) at its core evidence of professional interaction making it mandatory that chicken describes the professional working between the veterinarian, client, and farmers develop a flock health plan. relationship between a veterinarian, a patient. This can include records of While these are two separate initiatives, client, and the patient. This must be diagnostic tests, recommendations, they align in recognition of the established before a veterinarian can case follow-up, and farm visits. The important role played by veterinarians extend professional services to a client, medical records must substantiate that in maintaining animal health, public except in emergency circumstances. A an appropriate VCPR exists. health, and mitigating consequences VCPR is not established by simply associated with animal diseases.

12 CONSULTING WITH A POULTRY VETERINARIAN IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A VCPR FLOCK HEALTH PLAN In Canada, the provincial regulatory VCPR AND DEVELOPING A body for veterinarians sets the standard FLOCK HEALTH PLAN IS A GREAT WAY TO for what is necessary and sufficient for Consulting with a poultry veterinarian INITIATE A VCPR AND a valid VCPR. In Ontario for example, in order to develop a flock health plan a VCPR exists when the following CAN BE THE BACKBONE is a great way to initiate a VCPR and conditions are met. First, the veterinarian can be the backbone of this relationship. OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. has described the scope and extent of The purpose of the flock health plan is their services and the client has accepted to create a planned, managed approach these. The veterinarian assumes the By working on preventative healthcare to flock health that promotes both the responsibility for clinical assessments, in the flock, the veterinarian can help health and welfare of the birds. The plan decisions, and recommendations you to improve key performance is a living document that should provide regarding the health and welfare of and welfare parameters such as strategies for disease prevention, rapid the animals. The veterinarian must feed conversion ratio, livability, diagnosis, and effective treatment. be satisfied that they have recent and condemnations, and footpad scores. sufficient knowledge of the patient, To assist with this, a flock health Even a small improvement can have a management, and facilities in order to plan SOP has been provided in the large impact on profit. For example, make informed assessments. Lastly, the new Animal Care Program manual. the economic benefit of veterinary client agrees to follow the veterinarian’s A poultry veterinarian can further advice leading to a 1% reduction of recommendations and prescriptions. assist with recommending appropriate condemnation in a chicken broiler The establishment of a VCPR can vaccination programs and protocols for flock of 25,000 marketed at 2.2 kg, happen through conversation, with key disease prevention and managing sick would lead to an additional 550 kg aspects noted in the medical record. or injured birds. Veterinarians should per flock. If priced at $1.60 per kg, be considered members of the flocks’ it would translate to a gross increase Under the VCPR, the client may health management team, as they can in income of $880, that otherwise work with more than one veterinarian, play a valuable role in development would be lost. depending on what veterinary and design of production systems and specialization is needed. In the context A 2% reduction in mortality would prevention practices. of agriculture, this relationship may not bring in $1,750, which could be necessarily be established with the poultry BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH achieved through mitigation of issues farmer, but rather with a designated agent A VETERINARIAN with E. coli infection or necrotic that is authorized to represent the owner, enteritis. Working with a veterinarian Investing in a VCPR and working such as a flock manager or field service on preventative flock health can have with a veterinarian is not only useful person. And once a VCPR is established, an excellent return on investment for at the time of a flock health emergency it is usually not necessary for the your farm. when treatment is needed, but also veterinarian to physically be at the farm in developing and reviewing farm With credit to the Ontario Association each time they make a recommendation. management techniques to avoid of Poultry Veterinarians for content in Once they are familiar with the flock and emergencies in the first place. The the farmer or flock manager, advice and this article. expertise and advice of a veterinarian recommendations may sometimes be can not only improve flock health, but given over phone or email, based on lab also the bottom line. results, for example.

13 Water Line Settings Video We know that fresh, good quality drinking water is critically important for bird health and growth. To ensure that birds have access to this water at all times, water line settings need to be carefully managed and adjusted as birds grow.

Towards this end, Chicken Farmers of Canada has created achieve this while also reducing the potential for litter quality a water line settings video which talks about the different or footpad problems due to water spillage. aspects to consider in adjusting and managing water lines in For more information click below to view this guide to the barn. This video can serve as a good refresher and can be adjusting water line settings in the barn: used as on-farm training tools for new hires or as part of any on-farm training. Points covered in the video include: »» What to think about when setting water lines »» Adjusting water pressure: how to, and what to consider »» Measuring flow rate »» Drinker height adjustment »» Common problems and solutions

There should be no restriction in the amount of water offered to the birds and adjusting water line settings can help to

Another Successful Third-Party Audit for the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care and Food Safety Programs For the third year in a row a comprehensive third-party audit was conducted on Chicken Farmers of Canada’s (CFC) two key programs: the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care and On-Farm Food Safety programs. CFC is proud to share the positive outcome of the 2018 audit.

The third-party audit is conducted 2018 this was amended to include all The third-party audit is a component by NSF International. NSF is an auditors, each of whom undergo two that adds credibility to these programs internationally recognized third- witness audits from NSF. and validates the hard work that party certification body that uses producers put in every day to achieve the The 2018 audit conducted by NSF PAACO (Professional Animal high standards of chicken production concluded that both programs Auditor Certification Organization) that Canadians know and trust. have been implemented effectively, certified auditors and is accredited maintained on an on-going basis, Being able to communicate the audit by the American National Standards and that appropriate measures for results is important for our customers Institute to ISO 17065. Audits take each program were consistently to trust in the programs that are being place at the national office, three to applied. Additionally, NSF’s on-farm implemented. This credibility allows four provincial board offices, on a assessment demonstrated that CFC the Canadian chicken industry the sample of farms in every province, has effectively and consistently benefit of having one national program and on CFC’s on-farm auditors. In implemented the programs. for all farmers across the country.