Ontario Supporting Meat Industry
September 2, 2010 1:00 PM
McGuinty Government Supports Local Food Processors, Creates Jobs
A Huron County food processor is increasing production of beef, lamb, pork and poultry products in Hensall to meet increasing demand, create jobs and support local farmers.
Through support from the Rural Economic Development Program, Metzger Meats is expanding and modernizing its plant by adding additional smoke houses and cookhouses. The company will also modernize its production management system to improve both the productivity and efficiency of the plant. These improvements will increase smokehouse and ready-to-eat meat production by 400 per cent.
This investment will also create up to 10 news jobs and retain more than 18 positions.
A strong agri-food industry is part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province's economy.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing $350,000 through the Rural Economic Development Program in the expansion of Metzger Meats Products.
- In total, Ontario will provide up to $1.5 million to help small and medium-sized rural abattoirs and meat plants grow their businesses and access new markets.
- Ontario's food processing industry was the third largest employer of its kind in North America in 2008. The industry generated $32.3 billion in revenue from goods manufactured in Ontario in 2007.
- Since 2003, Ontario has invested nearly $104 million in 285 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $781 million in new economic activity.
Learn More
Contacts
- Sarah Petrevan
Minister's Office
416-326-3861
sarah.petrevan@ontario.ca - Susan Murray
Communications Branch
519-826-3145
susan.murray@ontario.ca
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
ontario.ca/agriculture