Anyone interested in becoming a registered egg farmer must obtain quota in order to produce eggs, as well they must adhere to the mandatory regulations set out in Manitoba Egg Farmers’ Quality Assurance Program (see below). There are four methods of acquiring quota:

• Anyone may purchase an existing registered egg farmer’s unit (complete farm purchase with laying hen and/or pullet quota). Complete farm sales are subject to certain requirements and must be approved by Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF).
• It may be possible to purchase the barn and equipment from a retiring farmer and move same to another property. Similar to complete farm sales, there are certain requirements and such transactions are subject to MEF approval.
• Anyone may participate on the monthly Laying Hen and Pullet Quota Retirement and Reallocation System (the Quota Exchange). Individuals submit bids to acquire quota detailing the amount of quota units (laying hens/pullets) and the maximum price per unit they would be willing to pay. Successful purchasers on the Exchange must meet MEF standards for animal care and food safety. The Exchange is really a form of public auction.
• MEF has a new entrant program in place. By regulation we set aside 50% of any new national over-base quota allocation and conduct a draw (or draws) of 6,000 quota units each. The random draw is made by a third party from all of the applications received. Each new facility established must meet the Five Freedoms, which are animal welfare guidelines respected by veterinarians, poultry specialists and animal welfare researchers all over the world. Free-run, certified organic, or enriched/furnished housing would be acceptable. Over the past decade or so, MEF has created nine new entrants.  

What is MEF’s Quality Assurance Program?
The Quality Assurance Program has been designed to reassure the public that all Manitoba egg farmers follow best food safety and environmental practices and adhere to standards of animal care that are supported by science. The Canadian egg system is uniquely positioned with the tools needed to provide this reassurance by demonstrating responsible care through a Quality Assurance Program (QAP). All registered egg farmers must adhere to Manitoba Egg Farmer’s QAP:

• As of April 1, 2010, a registered egg farmer must provide the MEF Board a Certificate of Conformance, (successful completion of Part 3, the Audit) as proof of adherence to the food safety requirements in Start Clean-Stay Clean™.
• Any new person who becomes a registered egg farmer must undertake and must provide such Certificate to the Board no later than six months after becoming a registered producer.
• A registered egg farmer’s facility must meet the applicable (cage, free-run, organic) housing guidelines contained in the Recommended code of practice.
• A registered egg farmer must achieve a pass in the Egg Farmers of Canada’s Animal Care Program.
• An insurance policy (acceptable to the Board) must be maintained which provides the type of coverage specified under the Quality Assurance Program. This insurance policy must be in place to ensure Manitoba egg farmers have sufficient financial resources available to them in the event a flock is depopulated, a placement is delayed or eggs diverted due to a positive environmental test for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). 

How is pricing established?
Manitoba Egg Farmers are authorized to establish producer prices for the eggs produced in Manitoba. This is done using a Cost of Production (COP) formula and other relevant criteria. Prices are set as costs increase or decrease.

How are eggs marketed?
Registered egg farmers select a grading station within the province of Manitoba. This grading station will arrange for pick-up of the eggs and supply farmers with the necessary packaging equipment for production. 

How do I obtain building costs?
Current information on building costs is available on the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives website under the Farm Business Management section, and may be of use in this regard: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/financial/farm/farm.html

How can I get production costs?
Costs vary from operation to operation. The best way to determine this information would be to contact feed mills, hatcheries and existing registered egg farmers. Good management practices are key to efficient production costs.