Healthy Eggs from Local Farms. Raised with Care
Egg Farmers of PEI (EFPEI) is a non-profit organization that serves as the backbone of the province’s egg industry. Operating under a robust legal framework, the organization derives its authority from the Natural Products Marketing Act, the Egg Commodity Marketing Regulations, and the Prince Edward Island Egg Order (established via the federal Agricultural Products Marketing Act). This legislative foundation ensures that the organization has the legal “teeth” to manage a complex supply chain.
Regulatory Authority and Mandate
EFPEI is granted comprehensive powers to oversee the industry. This is not merely administrative; the organization has the mandate to:
- Promote: Developing marketing campaigns to highlight the nutritional benefits and local origins of PEI eggs.
- Control and Regulate: Implementing a quota system that balances supply with demand to prevent market crashes or extreme price spikes.
- Enforcement: EFPEI possesses the specific power to prohibit or restrict any aspect of egg marketing that does not align with provincial standards or economic stability.
Economic Impact and Distribution
The scale of production on the Island is significant, with local farmers producing millions of eggs annually. This production cycle is a vital pillar of the PEI economy:
- Local Consumption: Over half of these eggs are consumed on the Island, fulfilling the “farm-to-table” promise for local families.
- Regional Export: The surplus provides a steady supply of fresh eggs to neighboring Maritime Provinces.
- Industrial Use: A portion of the yield is directed toward food processing facilities, where eggs are integrated into various Canadian food products, extending the reach of PEI’s agricultural footprint from coast to coast.
Supporting Local Registered Farmers
At its heart, EFPEI represents the province’s registered egg farmers. These producers are committed to rigorous standards of animal welfare and food safety (such as the national Start Clean-Stay Clean® program). By acting as a collective voice, the organization ensures that even small-scale family farms have a seat at the table, allowing them to provide Islanders with a consistent, high-quality, and nutritious local food source.
Animal Care Program:
Ensuring their hens are always well cared for.
Canadian egg farmers take part in a comprehensive, national Animal Care Program. As part of this program, trained field inspectors visit the farm to ensure that hens have a comfortable environment, a well-balanced and nutritious diet, fresh water and clean surroundings.
The program is based on the Code of Practice, developed by farmers, Canada’s top veterinarians and experts in animal care as well as representatives from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
