Changes to the Manitoba Chicken Broiler Producers Marketing Plan Regulation will help stabilize the poultry industry while chicken producers and processors work together to develop a new producer supply system that is fair and equitable to both industry partners, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister, Rosann Wowchuk, announced on 30 April.

"It is important the key participants in this industry take the lead in developing a 'made-in-Manitoba' plan to ensure adequate supplies of product are available to processors in the province," said Ms Wowchuk. "This will help maintain a strong and vibrant poultry industry that produces a quality product and is better equipped to serve its customers and take advantage of new, value-added opportunities when they arise."

Under the changes, the Manitoba Chicken Producers Board will establish a working committee to develop a processor supply plan that will be based on consultations with the industry and processors. The committee will include a representative from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. The plan is to be completed by October 2009.

To stabilise the supply to processors while the plan is being developed, the province is introducing a mandatory notice period that will require producers to provide 42 to 49 weeks notice prior to changing their supply arrangements with a processor, the minister said. Processors will be prohibited from accepting poultry from a new producer until they ensure the notice requirements have been met.

"The purpose of these changes is to encourage and maintain a stable processing sector in balance with our strong, high-quality production source," said Ms Wowchuk. "This initiative will transition the supply-managed sector to one that more closely associates production and processing, ensuring adequate profitability for both Manitoba producers and processors."