NEWS
September 2, 2026

Young Farmers Program: 2027-2028

What is the Young Farmers Program?

The Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmer Program is a professional development program that teaches young leaders in the chicken sector about governance, succession planning and personal branding, while also getting to network with key agriculture and government stakeholders. It also helps young farmers better understand the sector and gives them the tools to succeed. Every year, five young farmers will be selected to participate in the 18-month program. We will strive to have a distribution of candidates from across the country:

Young chicken farmers selected for this program will gain valuable experience by meeting other emerging leaders within the sector. Participants will also get to share their knowledge with policy makers and stakeholders within the agriculture sector. The Program will give young farmers the tools and training to continue growing in the industry, with the long-term goal of having them play a larger role in governing and promoting chicken farming in Canada.

  • One representative from the Atlantic Provinces
  • One from Ontario
  • One from Quebec
  • Two from the Western Provinces

Applications close November 6, 2026.

Am I Eligible?

Eligible farmers must:

  • Should be between the ages of 18-40 (highly recommended, but not required)
  • Must be in good standing with the Provincial Board and be in compliance with all orders, regulations and rules of the Provincial Board and of Chicken Farmers of Canada
  • Should have some experience with community involvement
  • Must demonstrate a willingness to learn and participate fully
  • Must have, or be willing to develop a social media presence
  • Each participant will be required to agree to and sign various forms, such as a Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Undertaking, similar to the one signed by members of the CFC Board
  • Applicants do not need to hold quota in order to apply; however, if they do not hold quota, they must include a reference letter from a quota holder. The reference letter from the quota holder must address a series of provided questions.

*Applicants must be Canadian resident*

What Does it Entail?

The program is an 18-month commitment with interactive meetings, training and events. When applying for the program, please keep in mind that you will need to be available for the following events (some dates to be confirmed and events subject to change)*

  • Attend Chicken Farmers of Canada Annual General Meeting and the Joint Annual Reception in Ottawa
    • March 23-25, 2027 and/or March 2028 (TBD)*
  • Attend an orientation session in early spring (included is a Communications and Media Training in Ottawa
    • April or May (Spring) 2027*
  • Attend annual Lobby Day and Board of Directors meeting in Ottawa
    • June 1, 2027*
  • Attend the Chicken Farmers of Canada Annual Summer Meeting in Alberta
    • July 26-29, 2027*
  • Agricultural Excellence Conference
    • November 2027*
  • Attend a wrap up meeting online
    • January 2028
  • Partnership Activations (TBD)

*Required Meetings

Please note: Failure to attend two or more of the required meetings will result in a revaluation of your participation in the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmer’s Program.

If you hold quota: Please provide us with your quota number issued on behalf of Chicken Farmers of Canada by the Provincial Board, in the province where their registered production facilities are located.

If you do not hold quota, work on your family farm or are an eligible producer in Newfoundland and Labrador, please provide us with a letter of recommendation from the quota holder. If you are working on the family farm, the letter of recommendation must contain an outline of the succession plan with a clear path to ownership, as well as years served on the farm, duties performed, etc. If you are a producer in Newfoundland and Labrador, the quota holder (processor) or licensee (farmer) could write the letter of recommendation.

How do I Apply?

The application process is simple! Simply click on your province below, fill out the form and submit a one-minute video.

Your one-minute video should explain why you would like to be a part of the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program, why you are an ideal candidate and what you would like to get out of this program.

To apply, click on your province to access the application form:

*To avoid losing your work, please copy and paste all your answers into a separate document before submitting your application. You also have the option of saving your progress within the form itself*

Please note: Provincial Boards are responsible for selecting their candidate for consideration. Should you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please contact your Provincial Board.

All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application by January 15, 2027.

Deadline

The deadline to apply is November 6th, 2026 (Applications close on November 6th, 2026)

Questions?

For more information about the Young Farmers Program, head to the Chicken Farmers of Canada Wepage here.

For further questions or concerns email Erin Callary at youngfarmers@chicken.ca

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