The Board has announced a decision regarding compensation for Cleaning and Disinfecting (C&D) following the 2025 HPAI season. At the same time, how the Board is able to support growers with compensation following an emergency is changing — in part due to the recently updated Overmarketing Levy (OML) policy. The Board is asking for input from the chicken industry.
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Waves of HPAI infection continue to create operational pressure and personal stress for growers. Many infected flocks have needed to be depopulated in an effort to curb the spread of disease. In some cases, compensation has been available to farmers for their losses. Ultimately this has helped to keep the supply of quality, local chicken stable.
The Board has made a decision regarding Cleaning and Disinfection (C&D) payments for broiler chicken growers impacted by the most recent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak that started in October 2025 (“wave 8″of the outbreak). Compensation will be sent to the 4 broiler operations deemed Infected Premises (IPs) eligible under the existing policy. These growers will be contacted directly by BCCMB staff.
This decision was made considering the background of previous policies and funding agreements, which includes historical payouts and rationale for who would be eligible for compensation. This same context is informing where the Board might go regarding future compensation.
Read the Background in the HPAI C&D Payments official Memo
A significant factor is the updated OML policy. In the past, the collection of overmarketing levies has been a source of funding for a BCCMB Restricted Industry Emergency Fund — a reserve held at the Board’s discretion for use in an industry-related emergency, such as financial relief following losses and necessary C&D due to HPAI infections. However, under the recently updated OML policy, the Board will no longer apply and collect these levies every Period but will only do so if the CFC assesses a national OML for BC. So, collected levies will go towards satisfying a national levy; OML funds will no longer be directed to an emergency fund. The Emergency Fund, as currently structured, will be drawn down. While the fund is not yet empty, it won’t last forever. And yet, there are likely to be more emergencies and waves of HPAI.
The future of compensation following an emergency — whether from an emergency fund or otherwise — is under discussion. Options are being explored. And so, the Board is also seeking input from growers and industry stakeholders. A formal consultation is now open on how to approach C&D compensation going forward.
Read the options under consideration in the HPAI C&D Payments official Memo
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If you are a grower or work in the broiler industry, your thoughts are welcome. First, please thoroughly read the above memo. Provide feedback by May 8, 2026, via email to info@bcchicken.ca with the subject line “Feedback C&D Consultation”.