News Release
New Facility Promotes Local Food Production
July 21, 2009
McGuinty Government Invests In Northern Agriculture And Industrial Infrastructure
NEWS
A new, not-for-profit, community-owned abattoir in the Rainy River District, along with an upgraded industrial park will help boost the local agricultural sector.
The abattoir will be located in the new Emo industrial park and permit the local processing of livestock. Developing this agricultural infrastructure will also promote the creation of value-added opportunities in meat processing, such as new dry and frozen meat products. The facility will be used by livestock producers of a various species including cattle, sheep, hogs, elk and bison. The new abattoir is expected to create four permanent jobs.
The province is investing an additional $500,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help establish the abattoir, bringing the total provincial support for the facility to $1 million.
QUOTES
“Establishment of an abattoir in the Rainy River area was an important recommendation of Dr. Bob Rosehart’s report. I am pleased that we are able to support an initiative that will clearly contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and Chair of the NOHFC.
“We are pleased to support a project that will help satisfy a growing demand for locally grown foods, while also helping local livestock producers access this important service in their community.”
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
QUICK FACTS
- The NOHFC is also providing $121,900 to the Township of Emo to provide the services required for the abattoir to set up as the anchor tenant in a local industrial park.
- There are currently more than 300 livestock farm operations and over 25,000 head of cattle in the Rainy River District.
LEARN MORE
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125
ontario.ca/north-news
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