Atlantic Beef Products Inc. will receive up to $2.26 million in federal funding to upgrade its beef processing facility in Prince Edward Island.
The investment was announced Jan. 9 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Kosher and Halal Investment Program. The program helps federally regulated beef and veal processors improve efficiency and expand kosher and halal production.
Specifically, the funding will support technology and packaging upgrades at Atlantic Beef Products’ Albany, P.E.I., facility. The project aims to increase meat yield while expanding retail-ready halal product options for Canadian markets.
In addition, the company plans to install advanced steam vacuum systems to improve sanitation and safety. It will also upgrade equipment to recover more meat and reduce food waste. New packaging technology will support halal-certified products, while an in-line X-ray analyzer will help verify fat content and enhance product quality.
Moreover, Atlantic Beef Products is among the first companies to receive funding under the program. Company president and CEO Russ Mallard said the upgrades will help the plant meet growing demand for halal beef while maintaining strict certification standards.
Notably, Atlantic Beef Products is the only federally registered beef processing facility east of Quebec. The plant processes up to 750 cattle each week. Founded in 2003, the company employs about 180 people and sources cattle from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Overall, federal officials said the investment supports domestic processing capacity and strengthens Canada’s food system. The funding also aligns with the federal Buy Canadian policy by expanding access to Canadian-produced beef for diverse consumer markets.
