Double J Poultry has lost its appeal against the hatching
egg marketing commission.
The OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal has ruled that Double J had lots
of opportunity to question a policy change before it took effect and eliminated
a special status granted previously to the business that produces breeders for
two hatching egg operations owned by the partners.
“Any questions that Double J had with respect to
any possible change with the grandfathering clause could have been brought
forward to the Commission . . .,” the tribunal wrote.
“It is clear that Double J was, and continues to
be, involved in the industry and had ample opportunity to raise any issues,
questions or request clarification from the Commission with respect to Policy
59.
“Double J appears to be well versed on the
policies impacting its operations and the process associated with amending,
changing or altering policies,” the tribunal wrote.
Partners James Dowling and James Patton testified
that they haven’t changed anything at Double J, so should not be required now
to spend about $160,000 to buy quota to maintain previous production volumes.
The policy change eliminated “grandfathering” for
a few operations that exempted them from having to buy additional quota.
