May 1, 2015

Egg Farmers of Alberta Accepting New Entrant Program 2015 Applications

May 1, 2015 (CALGARY, AB) – Egg Farmers of Alberta (EFA) is excited to announce that the application window for the New Entrant Program (NEP) is now open, giving individuals the chance to become Alberta’s newest egg farmer. Applications will be accepted from May 1 to June 25, 2015.  EFA’s NEP provides an excellent opportunity for anyone with a passion for egg farming and a desire to join Alberta’s egg industry!

“The New Entrant Program is a tremendous benefit for us, as it encourages growth by attracting new farmers to the egg industry, who bring with them fresh ideas and insights,” says Susan Schafers, Chair of the EFA Board of Directors. “We were thrilled with the success of the program last year, when we welcomed seven new egg farmers into the industry.  We look forward to welcoming even more successful candidates again this year!”

The New Entrant Program was established in order to assist individuals and families who want to own and operate an egg farm in Alberta, by alleviating some of the producer’s start-up costs. NEP quota will be issued at no cost to the successful applicant(s).

To be eligible for EFA’s NEP, the following criteria must be met:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
  • Be a permanent resident of Alberta;
  • Not be a current or past quota holder.

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and evaluated by a selection committee. Quota will be issued in lots of up to 1,500 birds.  If the total number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of lots available, a draw will be held to determine the NEP allotment.

According to Susan Gal, General Manager of EFA, “Bringing new egg farmers into the industry is crucial to helping the Alberta egg industry grow and prosper.”

To apply, interested parties must complete and submit a New Entrant Plan application form to the EFA Board of Directors, along with a comprehensive business plan and a $1,050 fee. Applicants can submit their application form, business plan and fee via mail, or in person at the EFA office.  Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2015 until 4:00pm on June 25, 2015.

For more information, NEP information packages are available here. Christina Robinson, EFA’s Producer Services Manager, will be providing an overview of the NEP during a Town Hall Update at 10:00am on Thursday, May 7, 2015.  To participate, call 1-888-886-7786 and tell the operator that you wish to be placed in the Egg Farmers of Alberta call.  The call will be recorded and archived for five days following the initial call.

Download this story