Encouraging New Egg Farmers - Egg Farmers of Ontario Accepting 2015 New Entrant Quota Loan Pool Applications

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO) is once again giving individuals an opportunity to become Ontario's newest egg farmers by applying to the 2015 New Entrant Quota Loan Pool (NEQLP).  Applications will be accepted from April 1, 2015 until May 29, 2015.

"We believe this is an exciting opportunity for young farmers," said EFO Chair Scott Graham. "This is the fifth year for this successful program and we again look forward to welcoming more young egg farm families into the business."

The NEQLP is designed to encourage new farmers into the Ontario egg farming business. Each year, up to 10,000 units of quota will be loaned to the successful applicant(s). The quota will be loaned based on a 1:2 ratio (1 unit purchased, 2 loaned). After 10 years, the loaned quota will be returned to EFO in 10 annual installments (10% each) and will be loaned to future participants in the program.

To be eligible for EFO's 2015 New Entrant Quota Loan Pool, an applicant must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• Be a permanent resident of Ontario;
• Not have held quota, currently or in the past, of any type in the supply-managed sector (egg, pullet, chicken, turkey, dairy or hatching eggs);
• Successful applicants will be required to obtain quota to match the quota loan, based on a 1:2 ratio;
• Priority will be given to persons between the ages of 18 and 45.

"We encourage all prospective candidates to submit an application for this program. It is working as an excellent way for potential egg farm families to join our vibrant and growing sector," said Scott Graham, EFO Chair.

Applicants who meet the above criteria will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of well-respected and knowledgeable industry representatives and EFO will act as a resource for the committee. Committee members are selected by EFO and may include:

• An accountant;
• A financial representative;
• An OMAFRA staff person;
• A non-director egg farmer and
• A representative from Junior Farmers Association of Ontario

To apply, interested individuals must complete and submit an application form (available through EFO or at http://www.eggfarmersofontario.ca/uploads/pdf/new_entrant_application_covering_letter_policy_2015_for_web.pdf. Successful applicants must complete and file with EFO all documentation required of a buyer as set out in the Quota Transfer System (QTS), EFO Policies, Programs and Procedures 2014 as may be amended from time to time. Applications will be accepted from April 1, 2015 to May 29, 2015.

2015 New Entrant Quota Loan Pool Fact Sheet

What?
The New Entrant Quota Loan Pool (NEQLP) is a program for new entrants to the Ontario egg industry introduced in March 2011 by Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO).

Why?
To provide the opportunity for individuals to join the Ontario egg industry and make it easier for them to do so.

When?
Applications will be accepted immediately from April 1, 2015 until May 29, 2015.

How does it work?
The NEQLP is designed to encourage new farmers into the Ontario egg farming business. Each year, up to 10,000 units of quota will be loaned to the successful applicant(s). The quota will be loaned based on a 1:2 ratio (1 unit purchased, 2 loaned). After 10 years, the loaned quota will be returned to EFO in 10 annual installments (10% each) and will be loaned to future participants in the program.

Who's eligible?
In order to be considered for EFO's NEQLP, an applicant must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• Be a permanent resident of Ontario;
• Not hold quota of any type in the supply-managed sector (egg, pullet, chicken, turkey, dairy, or hatching eggs);
• Not have held quota, currently or in the past, of any type in the supply-managed sector;
• Priority will be given to persons between the ages of 18 and 45.

How to apply?
Interested individuals must complete and submit an application form (available through EFO or at http://www.eggfarmersofontario.ca/uploads/pdf/new_entrant_application_covering_letter_policy_2015_for_web.pdf).

How are recipients chosen?
Eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of respected and knowledgeable industry representatives with EFO acting as a resource to them. The selection committee's recommendation will be presented to EFO's Board of Directors for final decision. All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Applications not accepted become null and void and applicants must re-apply to be considered in future years.

How does recipient obtain loaned quota?
Once chosen, EFO will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the successful applicant(s) to sign. The MOU will outline the conditions for obtaining the loaned quota. Successful applicants must complete and file with EFO all documentation required of a buyer as set out in the Quota Transfer System (QTS), EFO Policies, Programs and Procedures 2014 as may be amended from time to time.  Upon execution of the MOU and Agreement to Purchase, EFO will loan (based on 1:2 ratio) and allocate quota to recipient. Production must begin within 18 months of being selected.

Deadline
Applications may be submitted beginning April 1, 2015 up to and including May 29, 2015.

SOURCE Egg Farmers of Ontario

Bill Mitchell, Director of Public Affairs, Eggs Farmers of Ontario, 905-858-9790