ON and Canada: $13M Towards Meat Processing Sector Upgrades 

The meat processing sector in Ontario is about to experience a significant boost with the Canadian and Ontario governments collectively investing over $13M in funding towards upgrades. This substantial commitment, made through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to facilitate upgrades for free-standing meat processors and abattoirs. The move aligns with the sector’s escalating demand, making it a pivotal time for such transformative investments. 

The Sustainable CAP supports the objectives outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy, which include increasing food production by 30% over the next ten years and increasing agriculture and food exports by 8% annually. 

Revolutionizing Meat Processing Productivity 

Sustainable CAP’s cost-shared funding is set to support 151 projects across the province. These initiatives focus on upgrading meat handling and processing equipment, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and implementing practices to enhance production capacity. The overarching goal is to elevate the competitiveness of Ontario’s meat processing plants and abattoirs and ensuring they adhere to the highest food safety standards. 

“This funding through Sustainable CAP will help the meat processing industry in Ontario access new technologies and equipment to increase production and meet that demand.”

Honorable Lawrence McAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

Projects under the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative exemplify the scope and impact of the funding. Examples of investments include:  

• Up to $140K to Penokean Hills Farms in Bruce Mines to purchase and install a chop cutter and thermoforming packaging machine to increase production; 
• Up to $150K to Sikorski Sausages in London to purchase and install a floor standing clipper, air compressor and refrigerated air dryer, a split chiller system, racking systems, high-capacity coils for variable speed fans, and evaporator fan coils to increase capacity and labor productivity; and 
• Up to $19.5K to Townsend Butchers in Simcoe to purchase and install a new vacuum sealing machine to increase productivity and meet market demand. 

Driving Competitiveness Globally 

“The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative is a prime example of how our government is making the right investments in the right places,”

Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  

The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative is not just about equipment upgrades; it also supports training and engineering costs integral to project completion. The application period has closed, with all projects expected to conclude by March 1, 2024. This strategic funding builds on previous investments, reflecting a continuous commitment to the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative since 2020, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). 

“By supporting meat processors who are working to improve efficiencies and increase capacity, we’re ensuring that Ontario’s meat processing sector can compete globally and opening doors to new opportunities.”

Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  

Access Agri-Business Grant Funding and Writing Support 

The Sustainable CAP (SCAP) is a five-year long (2023-2028) commitment by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada. The $3.5B investment aims to promote competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency in the agri-food and agri-based products sector. There is $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories, which are cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially.  

We encourage interested applicants to browse through our SCAP funding page to find relevant agri-business initiatives that align with their projects.  

If your agri-business is looking to invest in innovative technologies to increase production levels, we strongly encourage you to check out the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII). The program is currently open with a deadline of March 28, 2024. Eligible applicants can access up to $100K in grant funding.  

Additionally, eligible applicants can also look through our Canadian Farming, Food, and Beverage Funding Programs. Beyond SCAP, there are plenty of agri-food funding programs designed to help agri-businesses achieve their full funding potential. Applicants can get in touch with us to begin the grant writing process and determine their eligibility.   

Download our free Agri-Growth Guide to gain insight on ways to manage, grow, and finance your agri-business.