Federal support for Newfoundland and Labrador’s poultry sector

ST. JOHN’S — Newfoundland and Labrador’s poultry sector is the second largest agricultural contributor in the province. The Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, Joanne Thompson, announced a federal investment of up to $8 million for Country Ribbon to adopt advanced equipment that will increase productivity, while reducing its environmental footprint.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC), Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

AAFC is providing up to $5 million and ACOA is providing up to $3 million. These investments will help Country Ribbon purchase and install an air chilling system to replace its current water chilling system. Air chilling comes with a range of benefits such as chicken products that contain less water and more flavour, decreased risk of contamination and reduced water use in the chilling process.

“Local businesses are vital to our communities,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. “They create jobs and support a strong economy here in this region. ACOA’s investment in new technology at Country Ribbon will help the company increase productivity, improve product quality to meet market demand and support growth well into the future.”