From Canadian farms to your table: The care behind made-in-Canada eggs

Canadians are paying close attention to where their food comes from and purposely seeking out homegrown foods. Eggs, in particular, are the ultimate made-in-Canada food staple—one that we all can count on, no matter where we live in Canada. That’s because Canadian eggs are produced locally in every province and the Northwest Territories by over 1,200 regulated egg farmers and farm families like mine, who follow the same rigorous standards from coast to coast. 

Providing a stable supply of this nutritious, staple food is a great source of pride and a way of life. Behind these eggs is a deep-rooted commitment to caring for hens and working together to innovate. What do I mean by this? 

1. Canadian eggs are produced by egg farmers responsibly. That’s because all regulated Canadian egg farmers must adhere to national, science-based standards for hen care—standards that outline specific requirements for various hen housing types, including enriched colony, free run and free range. Egg farmers also follow strict on-farm food safety standards, dealing with barn cleanliness, egg handling and storage. Both these sets of standards are upheld through regular inspections and third-party audits, assuring that made-in-Canada eggs are safe and of high-quality. Just look for the Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) certification mark on egg cartons and menus indicating that the eggs are produced by Canadian farmers to these standards.

2. Canadian egg farmers believe in co-operation and collaboration. It’s the way we work. That’s why the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens is a core building block to the standards farmers follow. These guidelines are developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council and continue to evolve with the help and input of egg farmers, animal welfare advocacy groups and enforcement agencies, scientists, veterinarians, retail, government and more. 

3. Many Canadian egg farmers leverage technology to care for their hens. Tools that monitor water and feed intake, as well as systems that regulate lighting, temperature and humidity inside the barn, allow farmers to closely track the well-being of their flock and quickly respond to their needs. Technology and innovation are helping to evolve the way we farm so we can make homegrown food even better.