On June 6, 2023, the Hatching Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia (HEFNS) proposed new regulations that were subsequently approved by the Natural Products Marketing Council on June 22, 2023. Effective from August 1, 2023, these regulations are intended to govern the production and marketing of hatching eggs in Nova Scotia under the Natural Products Act. Formally titled the “Hatching Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia Regulations,” they aim to establish a structured framework for managing the production, registration, and marketing processes for hatching egg farmers in the province.

The regulations define several key terms: a “chick” refers to broiler chicks produced from hatching eggs and sold to producers; a “flock” denotes a group of breeder hens used for hatching egg production; and a “production facility” is the location where hatching eggs are produced. A significant aspect of these regulations is the requirement for registration of hatching egg producers. All producers must be registered with the Commodity Board to legally produce hatching eggs, although there is a small-scale exemption that allows for the production of up to 250 hatching eggs annually without registration.

To obtain registration, producers must submit a written application that includes personal information, details about their production facilities, records of the previous year’s hatching egg production, and documentation of agreements with hatcheries. This application must be renewed annually, and producers can expect a decision within 90 days. Additionally, registered producers are required to maintain accurate monthly production and marketing reports, which should detail placement records of breeder hens, flock production statistics, and any other information requested by the Commodity Board. These records must be kept for at least 18 months to ensure compliance and transparency.

Hatchery operators are also obligated to submit monthly reports to the Commodity Board. These reports must include the number of hatching eggs received from registered producers, details on eggs set and transferred between hatcheries, and statistics on hatching eggs produced in Nova Scotia and exported. Registered producers must pay a quarterly levy of $0.004 for each hatching egg that results in a salable chick, with payments due on specific dates throughout the year: April 20 for Q1, July 20 for Q2, October 20 for Q3, and January 20 for Q4. Failure to make these payments by the deadlines may result in the cancellation of a producer’s registration.

Producers who are dissatisfied with a registration decision from the Commodity Board have the option to appeal to the Council. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the decision and must include the relevant details and grounds for the appeal.

The Hatching Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia Regulations aim to enhance the organization and accountability of the hatching egg sector in the province. By establishing clear guidelines for registration, production reporting, and financial obligations, these regulations support the sustainable growth of this agricultural industry while ensuring compliance and oversight. 

Nova Scotia (124/2023) July 14, 2023