Two Oxford Abattoirs Receive Boost in Efforts to Make Their Businesses More Competitive
WOODSTOCK – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.8 million to improve food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity at provincial abattoirs. Nearly 50 projects are being supported to help modernize meat plants and ensure they continue to produce high-quality, Ontario meat products.
Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and MPP for Oxford welcomed the recent announcement that will see Miedema’s Meat Market and Norpac Beef receive a combined $64,323 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership).
The projects being funded in this intake include:
- Enhancements to ventilation, refrigeration and process controls;
- Replacing interior surfaces with non-porous materials;
- Upgrades to equipment and structures to enhance on-site animal handling and housing.
“These investments help strengthen our crucial agri-food supply chain and its ability to continue to bring safe, nutritious food items to the tables of Ontario families,” said Minister Hardeman. “We’re committed to working with our meat processors and the entire agri-food sector to help the sector meet the market and business challenges they face.”
This investment under the Partnership will support local jobs, improve competitiveness, help protect Ontario’s food supply chain and uphold the province’s high safety standards for locally produced foods. This targeted effort builds on other actions by the governments to support these businesses and the capacity of the agri-food supply chain, particularly during challenges faced because of COVID-19.
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Media inquiries:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
519-537-5222