Ontario to support meat processors to deliver safe, quality food

The Government of Ontario in Canada has announced that it will be working with meat processors to support their businesses and continue to deliver safe, high-quality food.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman had discussions with meat processors, as well as industry representatives in northern Ontario, to understand the challenges affecting their sector and the opportunities for economic growth in the northern meat processing industry.

Hardeman said: “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.

“This 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.”

Currently, there are 14 provincially licensed beef abattoirs in northern Ontario, which accounts for 16% of Ontario’s beef abattoirs.

Furthermore, there are two poultry abattoirs located in the north.

The government has also agreed to support meat processors to ensure safe, high-quality food through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Aimed at strengthening the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products segment, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative that focuses on enhancing competitiveness, prosperity and sustainability of the industry.

Under this initiative, 39 projects were approved to receive up to C$509,000 ($377,452) in cost-share funding in February for food safety improvements.

The second intake opened on 24 May and will close on 30 August.