There were 194 registered egg producers with 2.2 million layers in 1998. There were three commercial registered grading stations. Manitoba has two egg processors which compete internationally providing products for the food and pharmaceutical industries. There are no barriers to interprovincial trade. Production and marketing of eggs are controlled by 10 provincial boards in concert with the national agency, the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency.
Increased production can occur without increasing the national quota.
Opportunities As of 1997, producers are permitted to apply to consolidate their quotas into new single business entities in order to take advantage of economies of scale. Manitoba's laying hens are housed in closed environmental systems using cages with automated or manual feeding and egg collection. There is a trend to further mechanize feeding, egg collection and environmental systems. Food service is migrating to the use of processed egg products. This reduces the consumption of shell eggs, but provides an opportunity for processed production and for increased trade.