Manitoba Chicken Producers is launching a new annual speciality quota program.

The program will offer Manitoba consumers more choice, and provide improved opportunities for smaller scale farmers to meet the demand for different types of meat chickens.

The annual speciality quota program focuses on smaller or specialized markets that aren’t currently being supplied by registered chicken producers.  

The program covers specialty chicken breeds, unique weight categories, specialized production methods, and chickens slaughtered in accordance with religious teachings.  

“Consumer are looking for variety in fresh chicken, like certified organic, Halal, and specific breeds such as Silkies.  With the Annual Speciality Quota Program, Manitoba farmers will be able to provide consumers with more choice,” said Jake Wiebe, chair of MCP.

The quota allotments will be for 10,000 kilograms per year.

The deadline for applications for 2017 production is November 18, 2016.