Provincial money for meat market, abattoir

Thursday, April 14, 2011

by BETTER FARMING STAFF

Green’s Meat Market and Abattoir Ltd., RR 2, Wingham, is getting $128,250 through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Program. The money will be used to upgrade the existing facility, install new equipment and build storage and freezer space. Planned improvements are expected to create four new jobs to add the 14 jobs that already 
exist at Green’s.

The company hopes the improvements will increase production capacity, strengthen its food safety program, increase sales and expand the customer base for its line of pork and beef products.

The province announced the grant Friday, along with another grant for Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, a food processor in Teeseewater.

The co-operative will receive $984,342 to help expand its production of milk products used in infant formula, protein bars and nutritional beverages.

According to the province’s new release, the company plans to increase its annual revenues by $25 million, create 20 new jobs and annually source 50 million additional litres of milk from farmers.

The co-operative will also become the exclusive supplier for Chapman’s Ice Cream in Markdale. BF