Beyond Factory Farming Coalition

Family Farms Not Factory Farms

Overview of ILO issues in Québec

Livestock

Poultry & Eggs

In 2005 the Quebec government took extreme measures to control avian flu outbreaks in the province. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Quebec announced that:

  • All poultry must be confined to indoor facilities as of November 12th, 2005
  • Producers must limit their flocks to one age group and one species of domestic birds per farm
  • Producers may only procure chicks from a CFIA licensed hatchery

The consequences of these measures are disastrous for family farmers who are producing organic poultry, and raising heritage breeds and it forces farmers to either refrain from poultry production or break the law, neither of which are favourable options.

The irony is that the actions put in place for preventing avian flu outbreaks are the exact conditions that weaken birds' immune systems (making them more susceptible to catching the flu) and promote the spreading of the disease.

There are just over 800 poultry producers that hold quota throughout the province, producing upwards of 3 million kilos/yr, making up a significant portion of the Canadian production. The majority are located in the Montérégie, Lanaudière, and Chaudière-Appalaches regions. The average flock size is 245,000 birds.

4 abattoirs (owned by Olymel and Exceldor) control 90% of poultry slaughter in the province. Together, they formed Unidindon that controls 100% of turkey slaughter. The remaining 10% of broiler slaughter is done at 50 small sized abattoirs.

There are 62 commercial egg operations in the province, producing upwards of 2 million kilograms/yr.

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