Chicken Farming in Canada: 15 Facts & Statistics

Chicken Farming in Canada: 15 Facts & Statistics

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Canadian chicken industry facts and statistics

Key Takeaways

  • Economic Impact: Chicken farming in Canada is a major economic driver: the sector supports about 112,600 jobs, contributes $12.2 billion to GDP, and pays roughly $4 billion in taxes
  • Chicken Farmers: Canada produced roughly 1.4 billion kilograms of chicken in 2024, supplied by ~2,884 regulated producers and 191 processors, serving domestic demand and export markets
  • Industry Growth: The industry is forecast to grow modestly (around +1% by 2026), signalling continued investment, job security, and steady export opportunities for Canadians

Small in size but large in impact, chickens are an essential part of the Canadian economy. The poultry sector – comprised of 2,884 farm producers and 191 processing facilities – drives employment and wealth across the country. It sustains 112,604 jobs, contributes $12.2 billion to Canada’s GDP, and pays roughly $4 billion in taxes every year.

From farm to plate, the Canadian chicken industry creates a full range of jobs in farming, processing, transportation, retail, restaurants, and beyond, making chicken important to local communities, particularly in rural parts of the country.

Below, we look at several facts about chicken farming in Canada and how it’s an essential part of daily life for countless Canadian families.

15 Fun Facts on Canadian Poultry Farming

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#1 – Canada was home to roughly 2,884 regulated chicken producers in 2024, where regulated producers are defined as those under provincial or national supply-management boards [1]

#2 – Canada produced roughly 1.4 billion kilograms of chicken in 2024, approximately equivalent to the weight of nearly 12 CN Towers [1]

#3 – Canada exported roughly 120 million kilograms of chicken in 2024, valued at approximately $884 million [1]

#4 – Canada imported more than 208 million kg of chicken meat and meat products in 2024 valued at nearly $900 million, mostly originating from the United States, then Thailand and Brazil [1]

#5 – Canada’s chicken farming sector sustains 112,600 jobs, contributes $12.2 billion to Canada’s economy (GDP) [2]

#6 – Canada’s poultry industry pays $4 billion in taxes and purchases 3 million tons of feed every year [2]

#7 – Chicken farms generated about $3.9 billion in 2024 in cash receipts and sales in 2024 [1]

#8 – Canadians consumed an average of 34.8 kilograms, or more than 76 pounds of chicken in 2024, slightly lower year-over-year, making it the most consumed animal meat protein in the country [1]

#9 – Canadian poultry production was essentially steady in 2024 at about 1.4 million tonnes, with Alberta showing the fastest growth in 2024 (+2.1%) among provinces and territories [3]

#10 – Canada’s commercial chicken and turkey meat production totalled 1.6 billion kg in 2024 [6]

#11 – Canada is also home to 504 registered turkey producers, generating nearly $466 million in economic activity in 2024 [4]

#12 – Canada’s 504 regulated turkey producers produced 158.7 million kilograms of turkey in 2024, 45.7% of which was accounted for by Ontario [4]

#13 – Canadian broiler hatcheries placed a total of 842.2 million chicks on chicken operations across the country in 2024 [5]

#14 – Canada was home to 237 broiler hatching egg producers in 2024, who produced 891.2 million broiler hatching eggs [5]

#15 – Approximately 98 hatcheries are licensed to operate in Canada for different purposes and for various species including turkey, broiler chicken, egg type, waterfowl, and game birds

Canada’s Chicken Industry Growth to Come

The chicken sector is projected to grow modestly in the near term, driven by increasing demand. Canadian chicken meat production is estimated to rise by about 1% in 2026, following modest gains in 2024–25 [7]. The same is projected for the broiler and egg production sector, with growing protein demand in North America and abroad.

For Canadians, this translates into more secure jobs, continued investment by farmers and processors, and stronger domestic supply chains. Chicken Farmers of Canada’s reporting indicates producers are well-positioned to meet demand and to reinvest in their operations, supporting rural economies and year-round employment. Stable production and trade flows also preserve export opportunities and help the sector contribute reliably to GDP and tax revenues as it grows modestly over the coming years.

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SOURCES:

1 - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/chicken

2 - https://www.chickenfarmers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CFC-Annual-report-2024-FOR-WEB.pdf

3 - https://www.chickenfarmers.ca/good-for-canada/

4 - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/turkey

5 - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/hatching

6 - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/industry-profile

7 - https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/canada-poultry-and-products-annual-11