By Woody Siemens, Executive Director.
As 2025 draws to a close, I and the entire BCCMB want to extend its sincere appreciation to every grower, processor, hatchery, service provider, staff member, and partner who contributes to the strength of British Columbia’s regulated chicken sector. Thank you.
Proven that when our industry works together, we continue to deliver stability and leadership that provides quality, local food to British Columbians.
This year saw several major achievements that reinforce the integrity of our system and support long-term sustainability for growers.
A Year of Significant Progress, Collaboration, & Resilience
Judicial Review Success
One of the most defining moments of 2025 was the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s decision upholding the Board’s Cost of Production (COP) model. This ruling affirmed the fairness, transparency, and evidence-based foundation of our pricing system, and reinforced the Board’s authority and responsibility to administer a stable pricing framework for BC growers. This success reflects years of diligence and consultation across the province and country.
COP Model Update Underway for Implementation in 2026
Building on this momentum, we started work on a full update to our COP model using the most recent data available. Work is well underway, and growers have been instrumental in providing the information needed to strengthen the accuracy and relevance needed to implement in 2026. The Board is committed to a process that is transparent, collaborative, and aligned with the realities of today’s production environment.
HPAI Preparedness & EOC Improvements
We continued to work closely with the BC Poultry Association, CFIA, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and other provincial partners to enhance our response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Key improvements were made to Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) processes, permitting communication, data sharing, and coordination within the Avian Influenza Steering and Governance Committees.
Thanks to strong on-farm biosecurity and early-season prevention efforts, the industry entered the fall with greater readiness and more confidence in our joint response systems. Solutions to the HPAI outbreak remain a top priority.
Managing Chick & Hatching Egg Shortages
Last spring’s chick and egg shortages tested the agility of our supply chain, but the coordinated efforts of BC growers, hatcheries, breeders, and interprovincial partners allowed us to navigate the disruption and maintain supply to the market.
The Board provided temporary measures and flexibility to support the sector through a period of uncertainty. The lessons learned have informed ongoing work with the BC Broiler Hatching Egg Commission and other stakeholders to enhance planning, transparency, and resiliency for future cycles.
Industry Leadership & Strategic Progress
Beyond these milestones this past year, the Board advanced several priorities that position our sector for long-term success:
- Continued progress on the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, including work on quota governance, market growth, and performance.
- Ongoing improvements to communication and engagement with stakeholders across the industry — particularly ensuring growers receive timely, clear, and practical information.
- Advancements in data modernization and analytics to enhance decision-making and support greater transparency in our regulatory processes.
- Meaningful contributions at the national level within Chicken Farmers of Canada, supporting policy discussions, allocations, and animal care program integrity.
Looking Ahead & Warm Holiday Wishes
We enter 2026 with renewed momentum; we have strength in a validated COP model, healthy relationships across the poultry value chain, and a shared commitment to BC as an ongoing leader in quality, sustainability, and food security.
The Board remains deeply grateful for the trust, partnership, and professionalism growers and everyone in BC’s chicken industry demonstrate every day on farms and in businesses. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.