Ramping Up Food Processing In Norfolk County - McGuinty Government Supports Agri-Food Industry, Creates Jobs

Ontario is helping a Norfolk County meat processor respond to the growing demand for local food.

With support from Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program, VG Meats is installing new equipment that will more than double meat processing capacity at its Simcoe plant. These upgrades will also help to:

• create co-packing opportunities for other meat producers and suppliers
• provide more local meat products to consumers
• create five new jobs and retain 17 existing positions

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

QUOTES

"We're proud to be investing in Ontario meat processors, such as VG Meats who provide us with fresh, local, quality meats we all enjoy. By giving our meat businesses the tools they need to succeed and grow, we're strengthening Ontario's agri-food industry and growing our economy."
- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"The Province's support for this project is helping us respond to the demand for increased meat processing capacity in Ontario. With new processing equipment, we'll be able to bring more quality Ontario meats to market, source more meat from local farmers, custom-package meat for other producers, and create new job opportunities at our Simcoe plant."
- Cory Van Groningen, Owner, VG Meats

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.
• Ontario gained more than 40,000 jobs in June, more than double the number of jobs created in the United States.

LEARN MORE

Want to grow your food business? Ontario can help.