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25-10 - Provincial Abattoir Capacity and Wait Times
The BFO Board of Directors recognizes the significant impact limited processing capacity has on beef producers’ ability to market cattle in a timely and cost-effective manner. Improving access to meat processing capacity remains a top advocacy priority for BFO and was a key issue raised during meetings with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) at Queen’s Park in May and again in November.
BFO has consistently raised concerns with elected officials that current cost-share funding models are often inaccessible to small businesses that provide essential services within the beef supply chain, due to limited cash flow and upfront capital requirements. From a producer perspective, BFO continues to recommend targeted government investments aligned with the provincial agri-food strategy, Grow Ontario, that would strengthen processing capacity and improve producer market access.
These include:
- Continued investment in expanding beef processing capacity;
- Broader eligibility windows for funding programs;
- Higher funding limits to support meaningful infrastructure and equipment upgrades;
- Adjustments to tax classifications impacting small and medium-sized facilities; and
- Increased emphasis on labour availability and skills training.
In collaboration with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), BFO met with Members of Parliament and Senators in Ottawa this past October to highlight the urgent need to reopen the Joyceville Institution abattoir. BFO formally requested the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) proceed with a full Request for Proposals (RFP) following an Expressions of Interest process that demonstrated industry interest in operating the facility. As of November, CSC advised the initiative has been paused due to competing infrastructure priorities. BFO continues to work with MP Mark Gerretsen to advocate for restarting this process, emphasizing the ongoing shortage of beef processing capacity in Eastern Ontario and its direct impact on producers.
BFO will continue to advocate on behalf of beef producers for improved access to processing capacity and will keep members informed of any developments related to the Joyceville facility and government programs that may support expanded beef processing in Ontario.