The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $10 million under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to enhance the capacity processing capabilities in the province’s meat processing plants and abattoirs through the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative, according to a government-issued press release.
“Ontario's meat processing industry meets the highest standards for producing high-quality food and is constantly striving to innovate," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, past-federal minister of agriculture for Canada. "This investment will help the industry continue to grow through new productivity-improving technologies.”
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative will provide funding to eligible free-standing meat plants and abattoirs to make short-term investments in meat handling and processing equipment, technologies, and practices that improve efficiency, productivity, and food safety. The initiative is being funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) and will provide up to $150,000 per eligible applicant.
"This program is a prime example of how our government is making the right investments in the right places that have helped Ontario’s meat processing businesses,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of agriculture. “Not only will this initiative have a positive impact for Ontario meat processors, but we’re also increasing competitiveness in a global market.”