TL;DR:
- The Canadian and Ontario governments have allocated over $13 million to assist free-standing meat processors in Ontario through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
- This funding will support 151 projects aimed at upgrading equipment and adopting new technologies to increase production capacity and competitiveness.
- Examples of funded projects include significant investments in Penokean Hills Farms, Sikorski Sausages, and Townsend Butchers to enhance their production capabilities.
In a significant boost to the meat processing industry in Ontario, the Canadian and Ontario governments have announced an investment exceeding $13 million. This financial support, channelled through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is earmarked for 151 projects across the province, aiming to modernise and expand the capabilities of free-standing meat processors.
Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasised the importance of this investment in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality Canadian meat products. By facilitating access to new technologies and equipment, the initiative is expected to enhance the production capacity and competitiveness of Ontario’s meat processing sector.
The funding will cover a wide array of projects, including the upgrade of meat handling and processing equipment, and the adoption of technologies and practices that bolster production capacity. Additionally, the initiative will provide for training and engineering costs associated with the completion of these projects.
Highlighted examples of the investments include:
- Up to $140,112 was allocated to Penokean Hills Farms for the acquisition and installation of a chop cutter and thermoforming packaging machine, aimed at boosting production.
- Up to $150,000 for Sikorski Sausages to purchase and install various equipment, including a floor-standing clipper and a refrigerated air dryer, to enhance capacity and labour productivity.
- Up to $19,461.60 for Townsend Butchers to acquire a new vacuum sealing machine, increasing productivity and meeting market demand.
The application window for the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative was open from August 31, 2023, to September 25, 2023, with all projects slated for completion by March 1, 2024. This round of funding builds upon previous investments totalling over $14 million since 2020, underlining the ongoing commitment to strengthening Ontario’s meat processing industry.
Ontario is home to approximately 480 provincially licensed and 239 federally licensed meat processing facilities, playing a crucial role in the province’s agricultural and food production landscape. This latest investment underscores the collaborative effort between the Canadian and Ontario governments to support the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.
