Canadian project to improve food production efficiency
increase the competitiveness of Ontario's egg and apple industries
as part of a programme to improve the efficiency of the regions
food production industry.
In Canada, the Ontario government is investing nearly $300,000 (€190,000) in two Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture projects to increase the competitiveness of Ontario's egg and apple industries, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Helen Johns has announced.
One project will see a science-based, on-farm food safety and certification programme implemented on all 564 egg and pullet farms in Ontario. Research will also be conducted into more rapid, on-farm tests for pathogens, and alternatives for dealing with deadstock.
In the second project, production and processing protocols will be piloted at the Pride Pak Canada plant in Mississauga to extend the shelf-life of ready-to-eat, fresh-cut apples to ensure freshness, natural flavour, nutritional value and food safety. New, user-friendly packaging will also be developed to help with product distribution.
"It's very encouraging to see growers and processors come up with innovative ways to increase their own competitiveness, and I'm pleased to be able to support their efforts," Johns said. "I'm sure that we'll see tremendous dividends in terms of economic growth and jobs come out of the research and development being carried out now."
The government is contributing $214,414 to the egg and pullet project, with the balance of the $777,000 provided by the Ontario Egg Producers. Ontario supplies 40 per cent of the Canadian egg market, or 178 million dozen eggs annually.
The government is contributing $84,000 to the apple industry project, with the balance of the $199,000 provided by Pride Pak Canada and the Ontario Apple Sales Group, a consortium of apple growers and packers.
"Our organisation appreciates the Ontario government's support and confidence," said Carolynne Griffith, chair, Ontario Egg Producers. "Ensuring that every Ontario egg producer and pullet grower is certified for food safety will provide consumers with even more certainty of the safety and nutrition of our eggs."
"We're excited about partnering with Ontario growers in a venture that will produce new technologies and a new product," said Steven Karr, CEO, Pride Pak Canada. "I want to thank Minister Johns for her support."
The $90-million Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture programme is focused on enhancing the safety and quality of Ontario food products, capitalising on marketing and export opportunities, and on projects to improve rural water quality and to make efficient use of water resources.
