Federal government invests in projects to open new markets for agriculture and food exports

May 17, 2022

On Monday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of nearly $1.8 million for the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA), over two years, to help open and maintain markets for Canadian exporters around the world and to facilitate the entry of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into international markets.

“Small and medium sized producers contribute enormously to the economic prosperity of their local economies and communities. Our government recognizes the critical role they play, and we are committed to supporting them in pursuing new export opportunities. This investment will help Canadian products reach consumers across the world, while also providing valuable economic benefits here at home,” said Bibeau.

This investment will support the CFEA’s efforts to build relationships, create networks, identify opportunities and gain familiarity with potential new markets in more than 15 countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East.

Related activities will highlight Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe food while creating opportunities for SMEs to showcase their products.

In 2021, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Canadian agriculture and food exports hit a new record of over $82 billion.

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Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.