Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Press barred from chicken meeting



The Chicken Farmers of Ontario marketing board has postponed its Industry Insight 2011 meeting from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14.

Notice of the change was posted on its website the day the meeting was scheduled to take place.

The board earlier told me I can't attend the meeting, a change from the policy of previous years when the board welcomed reporters so its messages could get out.

All those involved in the industry are supposed to be welcome at this meeting.

The topics are listed as an outline of the Ontario Industry Strategic Plan, which has been under development by a new Chicken Industry Advisory Committee with membership from the chicken board, the Association of Ontario Chicken Processors, one of two associations that represent processors, and the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission.

The plan will include an outline of how Ontario intends to implement its part of a deal with Quebec to stop the movement of live chickens between the provinces.

Also on the agenda is an update on a “Major Industry Initiative” and a report on the board’s performance.