Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario’s government is working with meat processors to help them grow their businesses and continue to deliver safe, high-quality food.
Today, Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, spoke with meat processors and industry representatives from across northern Ontario about the challenges affecting their sector and the opportunities for economic growth in the northern meat processing industry. To meet the needs of this busy and geographically dispersed sector, the discussion took place virtually via teleconference and webcast.
“We’re working to support our meat processors and help them grow their businesses – while maintaining standards to help keep Ontario families safe and healthy,” said Hardeman. “Today provided a chance to discuss meaningful ways to increase growth in the meat industry – especially in the northern regions of our province where there are unique challenges.”
The government is also supporting meat processors to help ensure safe, high-quality food through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Through a targeted intake in February for food safety improvements, 39 projects were approved to receive up to $509,000 in cost-share funding. A second intake opened on May 24, 2019 and will close on August 30.
Quick Facts
- There are 14 provincially-licensed beef abattoirs in northern Ontario, accounting for 16 per cent of Ontario’s beef abattoirs. There are an additional two poultry abattoirs in the north.
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative aimed at strengthening the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector to increase its competitiveness, prosperity and sustainability. Once finalized, more information about the next food safety improvements application intake will be available on the OMAFRA website or by calling OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300.
