New Entrant Program

Egg Farmers of Alberta’s New Entrant Program (NEP) was developed and launched in 2012. EFA recognizes that it is vital to the long-term sustainability of the egg industry that new farmers and new investments are encouraged. The NEP was established in order to assist individuals and families who want to own and operate an egg farm in Alberta, by issuing a portion of newly allocated egg quota to successful applicants, thereby alleviating some of the producer’s start-up costs. EFA’s NEP provides an excellent opportunity for anyone with a passion for egg farming and a desire to join our industry!

Is the New Entrant Program currently running?

Yes!  EFA’s New Entrant Program will run in 2024.  Please see below for additional details and timeline.

New Entrant Program

The New Entrant Program was redeveloped in 2020 and the NEP Policy has been approved by the EFA Board of Directors.  In order to accommodate new applicants, the NEP quota reserve has to be built up to fulfill a minimum of 3 successful applications.

EFA has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for the 2024 NEP, which will be expanded to include additional questions that arise from the upcoming townhall webinars and Q&A calls.

January 2024: EFA is pleased to announce that the New Entrant Program will be opening for applications in 2024.  Below is a listing of important dates for the 2024 NEP:

  • March 15, 2024: NEP packages are available. Please fill out your contact details below in order for you to receive a package
  • March 20, 2024: NEP townhall call #1 – Q&A session –> click here to register
  • May 1, 2024: NEP is open for applications
  • May 2, 2024: NEP townhall webinar #2 –> click here to register
  • May 15, 2024: NEP townhall call #2 – Q&A session –> click here to register
  • June 25, 2024: NEP application deadline @ 4:00 pm
  • July 5, 2024: notice to applicants regarding initial screening, and to inform about moving to next phase
  • September 5, 2024: notice to applicants regarding business plan evaluation, and to inform about moving to next phase
  • September 25, 2024: $10,000 performance deposit due (refundable if not selected)
  • November 4-6, 2024: applicant interviews – 10 questions in-person
  • November 30, 2024: NEP successful applicants are announced

Additional dates of interest for successful NEP applicants:

  • February 25, 2025: EFA AGM
  • TBD: new entrant reception and training session
  • TBD: new egg manager training session
  • various TBD: progress reports due, to demonstrate new entrants are on schedule to be in production by the deadline
  • December 1, 2027: new entrants must be in production

 

     


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