Meat Processor Expanding in Oxford County - Ontario Government Supports Local Food Processors, Creates 43 Jobs

Ontario is helping a Zurich-based food processor expand production of organic meat products at its Ingersoll Plant to become more competitive, enter new markets and increase the demand for organic meat throughout Ontario.

With support from the Rural Economic Development Program, Field Gate Organics, will:

• Create 43 new jobs
• Increase sales revenue from $3.6 to $15 million annually
• Increase cold storage space, processing and packaging equipment
• Train new and existing staff
• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to grow consumer awareness
• Support local organic farmers

The project is expected to be completed in March 2012.

A strong agri-food industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the province's economy.

QUOTES

"Field Gate Organics is important to the local agri-food sector and important to Ontario's economy. By helping meat processors grow and expand their business, we're creating jobs, supporting farmers, and building a strong food system throughout Ontario."
- Carol Mitchell, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"We would like to thank the Ontario government for their support, which has allowed us to expand and improve the overall efficiency of our plant resulting in new markets both in Canada and the United States and moving us closer to our final goals. The Rural Economic Development Program has given us the funds to go after markets we may not have been able to go after on our own."
- Ted Soudant, President, Field Gate Organics

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario has invested over $167 million in 412 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.
• Ontario gained more than 40,000 jobs in June, more than double the number of jobs created in the United States.
• The unemployment rate declined to 7.7 per cent. Ontario employment is now above its 2008 pre-recession peak.
  

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Want to grow your food business? Ontario can help.