Canada's Turkey

Our Mission

Our aims are simple: to lead the conservation of Canada’s heritage turkey, to advance critical research that equips Canadian farmers with the tools needed to sustain and grow these populations, and to educate the public on the cultural and agricultural significance of this national heritage bird.

By building robust datasets and delivering practical, evidence-based strategies to producers and enthusiasts, we are working to ensure that future generations of Canadians can access, understand, and experience this living piece of agricultural history.

Who We Are

The Canadian Heritage Turkey Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Canada’s heritage turkey populations.

We operate at the intersection of agriculture, research, and conservation—working directly with farmers, breeders, and researchers to ensure these birds remain viable within modern production systems. Our focus is not only on preservation, but on restoring the practical relevance of heritage turkeys within Canadian agriculture.

What We Do

We support the long-term sustainability of heritage turkeys through:

Applied, farm-based research on production, nutrition, and management
Development of practical, data-driven tools and resources for farmers
Collection and analysis of performance, health, and population data
Support for breeding and population sustainability initiatives
Publication and dissemination of findings to producers, educators, and the public

Why It Matters

Canada’s heritage turkey populations are limited and at risk of decline without coordinated effort. Unlike commercial breeds, these birds represent a living agricultural legacy—shaped over generations by local environments, management practices, and regional history.

Their preservation is not only about maintaining the past—it is about strengthening agricultural resilience, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that future generations have access to diverse and sustainable poultry systems.

Our Approach

Our work is grounded in practical application. Rather than separating research from farming, we integrate trials directly into real-world production environments.

This approach ensures that our findings are relevant, measurable, and immediately useful to producers. By focusing on actionable outcomes, we aim to bridge the gap between research and on-farm decision-making.

Our Vision

We are working toward a future where heritage turkeys are not only preserved, but actively raised, studied, and valued across Canada.

Through strong data, informed producers, and increased public awareness, we aim to establish a sustainable foundation for the long-term success of Canada’s heritage turkey populations.

Who We Serve

Our work supports a broad community, including:

Farmers and small-scale producers
Researchers and academic institutions
Educators and agricultural programs
The Canadian public

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