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Canadian eggs: Good for you, and good for Canada

The Canadian eggs you buy every day are among the best in the world for quality and freshness, thanks to the system of supply management under which the Canadian egg industry operates.

Not only does the industry deliver one of the most complete and natural foods available, supply management ensures that all Canadians have year-round access to fresh, local, high-quality eggs that are produced with the highest standards for food safety and farming practices.

Supply management has helped build a system of accountability for Canadian egg farmers. By following traceability and on-farm food safety programs, like Start Clean-Stay Clean®, our farmers provide Canadians with eggs that are among the best in the world in terms of quality and freshness.

An economic success story

Egg farming supports 16,761 jobs across the country and adds $1.4 billion to Canada’s GDP.1 Beyond the numbers, farming in Canada is an important part of keeping our rural communities strong and vibrant. A typical egg farm will in turn support local businesses by purchasing feed and equipment, and provide both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The stability provided by supply management opens the door for new farmers and the next generation of agricultural leaders. The system helps them see a prosperous future, and ensures that the tradition of farming and the family business can be passed down from generation to generation. In fact, almost a third of Canada’s egg farmers are under the age of 45,2  bucking the trend of aging farmers seen in other sectors.

Our farmers also do volunteer work, such as sitting on school boards and coaching sports, and often donate their products to good causes. They are deeply committed to giving back and enhancing the vibrancy of the places where they live and work.

Supporting a system that works for Canada

For these reasons and many others, the system of supply management has withstood the test of time, even in the face of international trade negotiations and other forces that put pressure on our agricultural self-sufficiency.

Experience has shown that Canadians will stand up for the benefits of supply management. Ninety-two percent of Canadians say it’s important that their eggs come from Canada.3  With every Canadian egg they buy, they’re doing much more than providing their families with a nutritious and economical meal or snack. They’re helping Canada’s egg farmers and their families keep Canada strong and prosperous—now and in the future.

1 Informetrica Limited. The Economic Impact of the Poultry and Egg Industries in Canada, December 2011.
2 Egg Farmers of Canada. Farmer Survey, February 20, 2013.
3 Léger. Supply Management Survey, March 28, 2014.