OTTAWA, Ontario, – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) is encouraging all potential applicants to apply for the new federal Slaughter Improvement Program (SIP). The three-year, $50-million program is now accepting applications.
“The Slaughter Improvement Program – a commitment made in Canada’s Economic Action Plan – is now up and running,” said Minister Blackburn. "This program will make red meat packing and processing facilities more competitive and accessible to farmers across the country.”
The program will make federal repayable contributions available to support investments made by the private sector and other levels of government in sound business plans aimed at reducing costs, increasing revenues and improving operations of red meat packing and processing operations in Canada. Investing in a stronger meat packing and processing industry in Canada benefits the entire value chain and leads to a more profitable and competitive industry and a stronger economy.
Meat processing is responsible for $20.5 billion in annual sales for Canadian livestock farmers.
For information on how to apply for the program, visit www.agr.gc.ca/slaughterhouse, email SIP@agr.gc.ca, or call 1-877-246-4682.
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For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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613-759-7972
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