TORONTO, Ontario – Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced on April 11 the government’s investment of $3 million to upgrade the pork-processing facilities at Quality Meat Packers Limited. Investing in the plant is part of Canada’s $60-million Slaughter Improvement Program, which makes federal repayable contributions to assist meat processing companies’ efforts to reduce costs and increase revenues.

"Our government is creating the conditions for growth in the hog sector which will help hog producers and processors compete on the national and international scene," said Ritz. "Our plan is clear: this government is making strategic investments to strengthen the competitiveness of Canada's livestock sector and opportunities for producers."

The improvements include enhancements to food-safety and traceability technology and purchasing equipment designed for manufacturing value-added pork products.

"This loan allows us to invest in the modernization of our Toronto plant that has been processing Ontario hogs for over 50 years," said David Schwartz, president of Quality Meat Packers."