Originally shared November 19, 2025, by RealAgriculture News Team.
A new environmental assessment of chicken production in Canada shows the country’s farmers continue to reduce their carbon footprint.
Chicken Farmers of Canada has released the results of its latest lifecycle assessment, confirming that producers have made measurable improvements in reducing their environmental footprint over the past seven years.
The assessment, conducted by Groupe AGÉCO, analyzed greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and other environmental factors associated with chicken production from farm to processing. Since the last comprehensive assessment in 2016, the carbon footprint per kilogram of eviscerated chicken has declined by six per cent.
“Canadian chicken farmers are committed to continuous improvement,” says Tim Klompmaker, chair of Chicken Farmers of Canada. “This assessment shows that while chicken is already one of the lowest-carbon animal proteins, our sector continues to find ways to further reduce emissions and use resources more responsibly.”
Between 2016 to 2023, other findings include: feed conversion ratio was reduced by six per cent; the carbon footprint of feed has been reduced by 10 per cent; the amount of water used per kilogram of production has remained stable; and farmers plan to invest in ventilation upgrades, enhanced insulation, and smart barn technologies over the next five years.
The CFC notes that chicken production accounts for 0.4 per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions. While this footprint is comparatively small, the industry recognizes opportunities for continued progress and is working to further reduce emissions, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.
“This is part of a long-term journey,” added Klompmaker. “We are proud of what our farmers have achieved so far, and we remain committed to working with our partners to continue driving meaningful improvements.”
