Investment Plan for Ontario Meat Packing Industry

ONTARIO, CANADA - The Government of Canada is helping to open new markets for Ontario pork by investing more than $2 million in Conestoga Meat Packers.
calendar icon 21 December 2009
clock icon 3 minute read

Member of Parliament Harold Albrecht (Kitchener-Conestoga) announced the investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan’s Slaughter Improvement Programme.

"In this current global economy, Canada needs a strong, profitable red meat industry now more than ever," said Mr Albrecht, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will help Conestoga Meat Packers add value to their products and boost the bottom line of producers."

This $2.3 million investment will help Conestoga Meat Packers renovate its facility, allowing it to process value-added products, capture new markets and generate new revenue. Owned by 150 hog farmers in southwestern Ontario, Conestoga Meat Packers has increased its capacity from 3,000 to 14,000 head per week in the past eight years, resulting in an increase in employment from 35 to 350 staff. This investment will further boost their productivity, job creation and the bottom line of local producers.

"Investing in a stronger meat packing and processing sector in Canada benefits the entire value chain," said Mr Albrecht. "If packers are profitable and competitive, our farmers will benefit through stronger markets, and our economy will benefit through new jobs."

The $50-million Slaughter Improvement Program makes federal repayable contributions available to support sound business plans aimed at reducing costs, increasing revenues and improving operations of meat packing and processing operations in Canada.

With more than $20 billion in sales, the red meat industry is the single largest employer in the food industry in Canada.

Further Reading

- You can find out more information about the programme by clicking here.
- You can find out more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan by clicking here.
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