However still no time line on when federal money might be forthcoming.   Ottawa—Agriculture Minister Marine-Claude Bibeau says the federal government still intends to deliver financial compensation to the poultry sector for domestic market share lost in the European and Pacific trade deals. However just when the aid might be forthcoming remained up in the air in mid March. “The government is committed to tailoring its response based on the unique needs of processors and poultry groups, which requires time to develop and implement,” Bibeau said. “Our commitment is firm and we are working to ensure that compensation is made available as quickly as possible. “We are delivering on our commitment to provide full and fair compensation in support of supply-managed farmers, as a result of commitments made under” the European and Pacific trade deals. “Through the Poultry and Egg Working Group we worked in partnership with the sectors to understand their views on how to respond to the deal in the most fair and effective way possible,” she said In early March, the poultry groups issued a joint statement calling on the federal government to live up to a promise made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2018 to compensate them for lost sales due to the trade deals as well as the upcoming CUSMA. “We appreciate the government's repeated vocal support for supply management, but find the current situation worrisome,” said a statement issued jointly by the Chicken, Turkey and Egg Farmers of Canada and the Hatching Egg Producers. “Our farmers have been patient and cooperative, and need to see concrete action. The lack of movement on this file is concerning, especially since recommendations were put forward to the federal government almost a year ago.” Asked about Bibeau's response to that call, one poultry spokesperson said there would be no comment on it. “We are awaiting a response as well. Hoping to know more about timing in the coming weeks.” Bibeau said the government “is committed to protect and preserve supply management for future generations of Canadian farmers. We have delivered full and fair compensation for dairy farmers, and we are working diligently with the poultry and egg farmers, and supply-managed processing sector to provide that support.” The sector notes that the working group Bibeau refers to completed its work last summer. While there have been meetings with the minister and officials since then, there still is no idea when aid will arrive. However, the groups “are disappointed that their members are still awaiting the details of these programs and initiatives. “Canada's 4,700 poultry and egg farmers have lost a significant portion of their domestic market, which will cost them a lot of net operating income,” the statement said. “In order to support our farmers as effectively as possible, our focus has been on programs and initiatives that strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our sectors and rural communities, and continue to deliver made-in-Canada food. This approach allows us to navigate the unique dynamics of our respective industries and to plan for the future.” When fully implemented, the three trade deals are expected to cost the supply-managed producers between 10 and 20 per cent of the domestic market. Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.