Egg Farmers of Alberta Accepting New Entrant Program Applications

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 April 30, 2014 until June 27, 2014.  EFA’s NEP provides an excellent opportunity for anyone with a passion for egg farming and a desire to join our industry!

“We are very excited about our New Entrant Program, and wish all would-be egg farmers the best of luck.  This is an exceptional industry and we look forward to welcoming the successful candidates as new egg farmers.” – Susan Schafers, Chairman, EFA Board of Directors.

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 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 applicants exceeds the number of lots available, a draw will be held to determine the NEP allotment.

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

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 $1,000 fee.  For more information, NEP information packages are available online (eggs.ab.ca/healthy-farms/new-entrant-program/).  Applicants can submit their application form, business plan and fee via mail, or in person at the EFA office.  Application forms will be accepted from April 30, 2014 until June 27, 2014.