11 December 2007

3 minute read

North America

This one-time ACOA investment will assist Atlantic Beef Products of Borden-Carleton, P.E.I. to undertake marketing initiatives for diversified and value-added products, purchase specialized equipment and provide advanced training. As the Maritimes’ only federally-inspected beef processing facility, Atlantic Beef Products is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Maritime beef industry.

“As outlined in the recent Throne Speech, our Government is standing up for Canada's traditional industries and is prepared to take action to help workers in these industries adjust to global conditions,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This one-time investment will help the Maritimes’ only federally- inspected beef plant improve efficiency and expand capacity and markets.”

The federal share of the total investment is $6 million, with the three Maritime provincial governments each contributing $2 million.

"After a great deal of hard work, I'm very pleased that four governments have worked cooperatively to sustain an important part of our region's agricultural infrastructure," said the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "This announcement would not have been possible without the strong support of consumers and retailers in this region who recognize the importance of supporting the local economy. There is no doubt that the plant produces a quality product at competitive prices, and Atlantic beef ranks among the best in the country."

Owned by the Atlantic Beef Producers Cooperative and representing more than 200 beef producers from the Maritime provinces, Atlantic Beef Products currently employs 90 workers and generates an annual payroll of $3 million.

“The beef industry’s impact on the economy is estimated to be $90 million in New Brunswick, where it generates close to 700 jobs, mostly in rural areas of the province,” said New Brunswick Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette. “Regional co-operation between our three provinces and the federal government to make this regional beef-processing facility sustainable over the next three years will enhance the agriculture industry’s ability to play an important role in our government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency.”

An aggressive marketing and business plan to be developed by Atlantic Beef Products will build on operational and management changes that have been implemented at the plant in recent months. The facility’s existing state-of-the art traceability system, which follows cattle from farm through processing and to retail stores, will also be a key element in the development and marketing of new products.

"I am pleased that the provinces and the federal government have been able to work together for the benefit of our Maritime beef industry," said Hon. Brooke Taylor, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture. "It will be our role as governments to support the Maritime Beef Council and our local producers so they can take full advantage of this great opportunity to market locally grown beef through a federally-inspected Maritime plant. This is a great asset for our buy local campaign.”

FOR BROADCAST USE: The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the governments of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia today announced $12 million will be invested in the future of the Maritime beef processing industry. The funding will allow the industry to focus on higher value, differentiated beef products for international, national and local markets.

ACOA Minister Peter MacKay announced that ACOA will make a one-time investment of $6 million for new, specialized equipment and training, as well as marketing initiatives at Atlantic Beef Products, the Maritimes’ only federally- inspected beef processing facility. The three provincial governments will each contribute $2 million to Atlantic Beef Products, located in Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island. Atlantic Beef Products is a critical piece of infrastructure necessary for the Maritime beef industry.

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