Olymel Announces Creation of 250 New Jobs in Production Capacity

Olymel has announced an investment of $9 million to set up a second shift at its Ange-Gardien (formerly F.Ménard) hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant in Montérégie-Est, Quebec.

This investment and the new evening shift will create more than 250 new jobs and should be in operation by next September. The plant, which already employs a total of 680 people, will see that number grow to more than 900, making it one of the largest employers in the region.

"This announcement is in line with Olymel's development strategy and growth objectives. Olymel is capitalizing on synergies from the January 2020 acquisition of F.Ménard, one of the leaders of the Quebec pork industry. With this investment, our company will have the opportunity to devote a greater part of its activities to value-added products and will be able to consolidate its position in its domestic and international markets. With the completion of this project, Olymel remains a major player in the agrifood processing industry in Quebec and Canada and is helping create stable jobs that are revitalizing our regions, in this case, Montérégie," said Olymel President and CEO Réjean Nadeau.

RENOVATIONS AND INCREASE IN SLAUGHTER CAPACITY

Renovations have already begun to accommodate this second shift. They include the addition of freezing capacity and the expansion of the cafeteria and employee parking areas. The plant has also undertaken work to upgrade its wastewater treatment equipment. Once this work is completed, this second shift will allow the Ange-Gardien facility to gradually increase its weekly slaughter capacity from 25,000 to 35,000 in the first phase. Depending on the availability in deliveries and the market needs, this plant should be able to reach a slaughter capacity of 50,000 hogs per week. The Olymel Ange-Gardien plant will continue to be supplied by the privately owned farms acquired from F.Ménard, those of its associated breeders and those in the central Quebec hog-producing region.

ABOUT OLYMEL

Olymel is Canada's leader in the production, processing and distribution of pork and poultry meats. The company employs over 15,000 people and has production and processing facilities in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. The company markets its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur, Flamingo, Pinty's, Tour Eiffel and F. Ménard brands.

THE BEST DEFENSE IS A STRONG OFFENSE

PROMOTING THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEAT AND POULTRY

By Ronnie P. Cons

Red meat is often wrongly portrayed as being unhealthy. Even chicken has been getting attacked by some in the media as unhealthy or not environmentally friendly.

Vegan, fish and other non-meat diets have been proposed as liver, 625 grams of cooked beef or an astounding 2.4 kg of healthier alternatives. The result of this onslaught of negative meat messages has influenced many families to cut back on their meat and poultry purchases. Perceptions may reality but truth trumps misinformation. Parents and other consumers want what is best for their health and that of their families. spinach. Iron found in vegetables is harder to absorb than the iron found in meat as it is attached to fibre which inhibits its absorption. CANADA’S AGRICULTURE DAY CELEBRATES NATION’S TRUSTED FOOD SYSTEM Canada will be celebrating is annual Ag Day on February They are also aware that a lot of false information is out there “I encourage all Canadians to join in the celebrations 2. Eat Meat for a Healthier Brain! 23. This year the day will bring together leaders from major food and agriculture companies in a fireside chat that will push the boundaries on the opportunities available for agriculture and food and Canada’s and as such, are open to scientific facts that can correct their misconceptions. This provides an opportunity for retail meat departments to implement an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional campaign to set the record straight and convince their and engage whatever way you can. Just as Canadians have celebrated the efforts of health care workers this past year, together, we can create a chorus of love and thanks for our farm families and food businesses.” Being deficient in the micronutrients found in meat have been linked with low IQ, autism, depression and dementia says Dr. Charlotte Neumann, a paediatrician at the University of California, as quoted in the article ‘Brain food- clever eating’. Zinc is crucial for learning and memory. Vitamin B12 potential as a global food supplier. customers that meat and poultry are actually good for one’s preserves the sheaths that protect nerves. health and that they should increase rather than decrease The COVID-19 pandemic keeps us from experiencing 3. Boost Your Immunity with Meat!The day also offers a chance to be a part of a national their purchases of it. The campaign outlined below can have in-person events, so the fifth edition of Canada’s Due to its antioxidant powers, zinc is involved in creating celebration of the industry on social media. a direct impact on sales: Agriculture Day includes a virtual event in place of the antibodies to fight free radicals that increase our risk for Start by displaying instore posters promoting the nutritional traditional conference in Ottawa that brought together chronic diseases. “Canada’s Agriculture Day is a perfect time to thank the value of meat. They should be innovative, eye catching and industry and political leaders, as well as students from 4. Power Your Muscle Growth with Meat! women and men who are the backbone of growing, be designed to specifically contradict any meat myths. The across the country in years past. This year industry The protein in meat helps build and repair body tissues. producing and manufacturing food across our country,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and comments should all be literature based quoting research papers or MDs for maximum effect. Various posters should be made - each with a brief but powerful message covering leaders will celebrate the day with a fireside chat focused on the opportunities ahead for Canadian Muscles are made of protein. That is why athletes who are building muscle strength increase their meat consumption. Agri-Food Canada, in announcing the fifth anniversary one theme. agriculture and food. The protein and zinc found in meat are important for muscle of Canada’s Agriculture Day on February 23. Posters can convey the following healthy meat fact messages: growth and repair. 5. Meat is the Complete Protein! “Farmers and food businesses across Canada have stepped up this past year despite all the challenges thrown their way by COVID-19. This gives us even more 1. Let’s IRON out the Truth on Meat! “You would need to eat a massive amount of spinach to equal (the iron content) in a steak,” says Christopher Golden, Meat contains all of the nine essential amino acids that your body cannot make by itself. Say ‘hello’ to histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lycine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and valine. That is why meat is called a complete reason to celebrate Canadian agriculture and everyone an ecologist and epidemiologist at Harvard University in protein. who is working hard to keep our grocery store shelves stocked with quality Canadian food,” Minister Bibeau Cambridge, Massachusetts. (As quoted by nature.com in the article ‘Brain food- clever eating’.) 6. Eat Meat for a Healthy Heart! Meat contains lots of the B vitamins needed for the said.For a woman to receive her recommended daily intake of 18 production of hormones, red blood cells and for the proper mg of iron, she would need just 300 grams of cooked bovine functioning of your nervous system. Say ‘hello’ to niacin, folic acid, thiamine, biotin, panthothenic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. They are all found in meat. The line that ‘the best defense is a good offense’ does not only apply to sports. It also applies to countering negative meat health myths. Implementing an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional campaign to set the record straight on meat and poultry. It is a good way to go on the offensive by using education your customers and increasing your sales..

Ronnie P. Cons is CEO of C&C Packing Inc., a leading Canadian distributor of meat and poultry. He can be reached at RCons@CCpacking.com.

Farm Credit Ccanada (FCC) President and CEO, Michael LeClair said Canadians can show their support by Hoffort and Canada’s Ambassador to China, Dominic sharing their favourite food or agriculture photo, or Barton, will discuss how Canada can live into its even by trying a favourite recipe with all Canadian potential as a global food supplier. The virtual event will ingredients. “There are so many easy ways to show also feature a panel discussion with thought leaders Chantelle Donahue from Cargill, Daniel Vielfaure from appreciation and celebrate. Don’t forget to take a photo as you raise your fork to our great Canadian food NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON Bonduelle and Murad Al-Katib from AGT Foods. system, then share it on social media using #CdnAgDay.” CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW During the 90-minute program, the panel will focus on global growth prospects in food and how the LeClair encourages producers and processors in every sector of Canada’s agriculture and food industry to WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA agriculture and food industry can be a powerful tool in show their pride and passion by engaging consumers in the economic recovery of the nation. positive conversations online or in person, showcasing Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing food industry the ways they see growth and contributions to the Additionally, whether you are a producer or a NSF International in Canada recently launched a new industry we all rely on. accredited International Association for Continuing consumer, you are invited to raise your fork and share website - www.nsfcanada.ca - to give Canada’s growing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, your Canadian food story on social media. and complex food and beverage industry easy access Last year, #CdnAgDay reached millions of Canadians on food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, to the global public health organization’s expertise and social media.regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, “Each year on Canada’s Ag Day, consumers and services in Canada. The website combines information food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities producers alike share common positivity around agriculture and food, and this year we are seeing that more than ever,” said Isaac LeClair, spokesperson for Agriculture More Than Ever, one of the driving forces on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF International Canadian office with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality. For more ideas on how to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day, visit AgDay.ca. include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment. Additionally, the website includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, behind Canada’s Agriculture Day. “The people behind Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario drinking water programs. the ag and food industry have adapted in remarkable ways in the past year, and Canadians noticed and network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn appreciated their efforts.”offers expertise and services to help companies navigate YesGroup_CanadianMeatBusiness-Qtr-pg.pdf 1 2014-05-16 1:20:17 PM about upcoming events and global news releases, submit a question or read these challenges, including certification and auditing, an FAQ. The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s 2020 Public consulting, technical services, training and education, Trust Research Report shows Canadians are optimistic about their food supply, even as Canada’s food food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development. system faces exceptional pressure and public scrutiny NSF International’s Canadian website provides information due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian food on the following services: system’s pandemic response has earned high praise by Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits consumers. Nearly nine in 10 respondents (87%) said and certifications, which are integral components of they trust the food system will ensure the availability of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification healthy food for Canadians.of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management system registration.

Consulting: A full-service team approach providing technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range of food safety and quality services. NSF International provides finished product inspection testing for food, packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and insight to protect the brand, technical support services from on-site temporary or permanent technical staffing placements, and various types of consulting.

Technical services: A one-stop solution for food product compliance and formulation, from concept to finished product, including food and label compliance, packaging, product and process development, and shelf-life and https://www.yesgroup.ca product evaluation.

Training and education: Training for the global food and beverage industry across the supply chain as an

FAMILY FARMS CONTINUE TO POWER U.S. AGRICULTURE

By Tony Dorn, Environmental, Economics, and Demographics Branch Chief, USDA

What do you think of when you hear the phrase familyowned business? You may not immediately think of the family farm, but they are just as important to our economy and communities. In fact, family farms account for 96% of all U.S. farms, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report released in late January 2021 by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These farms – 1,789,439 small family farms, 108,304 mid-size family farms, and 52,592 largescale family farms – collectively produced $318 billion worth of agricultural products in 2017.

Typology classifies all farms into categories based on two criteria – who owns the operation and gross cash farm income (GCFI). GCFI includes the farm producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government payments, and farm-related income. USDA defines small family farms as those with a GCFI of less than $350,000; mid-size farms have a GCFI of $350,000 to $999,999; and large-scale farms are those with a GCFI of $1 million or more.

The typology report focuses primarily on the family farm. Why are typology data important? Because supporting U.S. agriculture – the farms that feed our country and the world – requires understanding its diversity. America’s 2 million farms range from operations that can produce and sell $1,000 of agricultural products in a year to multimilliondollar enterprises. Trying to pinpoint meaningful characteristics of the “average” U.S. farm from this alone would be misleading; important differences based on farm size and type might be overlooked. Typology allows us to better assess the health of U.S. farms, the farmers who live and work on them, and the impact of policies by grouping operations into more homogenous categories. These data show that family farms, defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the operator and individuals related to the operator, remain the beating heart of American agriculture. The report also found small family farms account for 88% of all farms in the United States.

Small family-owned farms accounted for 19% of the value of all agricultural products sold in 2017, including 45% of direct-to-consumer sales, according to the report. To continue supporting the small farms that give so much to our country and the world, it’s critical to have accurate data that are put into proper context to identify meaningful trends. That’s where typology comes in.

More information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report, including additional resources, such asHighlightsand maps, are available on theNASS website. Visitnass.usda.gov/AgCensusto learn more about the Census of Agriculture.

NEW TOOLS ANNOUNCED TO PROTECT ONTARIO TURKEY PRODUCERS

Canada’s turkey industry generates products worth $382.6 million, and up to $42.6 million in exports to 37 countries. Outbreaks of infectious diseases like avian influenza can impact producers’ ability to maintain operations and resume normal business practices, resulting in significant economic losses. The Government of Canada is committed to working with industry partners to develop tools that help farmers manage this risk.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Neil Ellis and Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga Tim Louis, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, has announced funding of up to $559,285 to help Turkey Farmers of Ontario finalize and launch a new insurance product to protect Ontario turkey producers from losses associated with outbreaks of avian influenza.

“Ontario’s turkey farmers are a vital part of our communities,” stated Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The development of this new risk management product is another example of how the Government of Canada and Turkey Farmers of Ontario are working together to keep the industry on even footing through challenges.”

When fully implemented, this product will help bridge the gap in existing coverage. Specifically, it will cover economic losses resulting from the difference between compensation through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for animals ordered destroyed and their full market value. This may include incremental costs such as cleaning and disinfection, veterinary services, the disposal of feed, and other costs related to the resumption of operations. “Disease outbreaks can have a big impact on producers and our Government is working hard to support them when they face these challenges. This new insurance product will help Ontario turkey farmers in their efforts to protect their businesses and return to production following a sudden outbreak of avian influenza,” stated Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood.

This innovative product will help the turkey industry improve its resiliency and ensure Ontario producers are able to resume production as soon as possible when disaster strikes.

Brian Ricker, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Ontario said, “The turkey industry has encountered numerous challenges over the past few years and this funding is very important for the implementation of an Avian Influenza Insurance Program. This will protect not only turkey producers but by extension the poultry industry in Ontario.”

QUICK FACTS DF: I don’t think being on the island has really impacted us negatively one QUICK FACTS way or the other. We’ve traveled a lot, met a lot of other farmers and livestock • The AgriRisk Initiatives: Administrative producers in other parts of Canada, and Capacity Building Stream provides funding we all seem to have the same issues to implement and test new financial tools and same concerns. which allow producers to manage a defined CMB: I understand that your farm business risk.was the first in Atlantic Canada to be involved in the TESA program. • Although avian influenza can affect all DF: Yes, I think we were the first farm types of poultry, turkeys appear to be more east of Ontario as far as I understand. susceptible than other poultry groups. I’m not sure why the eastern associations wouldn’t have previously • This new insurance product will be nominated anybody because there are mandatory for all turkey farmers in Ontario many farms here on PEI doing every bit as much as we are as to attain a and, once launched, will be administered high level of sustainability. Anyway, by the Poultry Insurance Exchange we were very surprised when the PEI Reciprocal of Canada. Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm. • Established in 1965, Turkey Farmers CMB: And then you were attending the of Ontario is a producer organization Canadian Beef conference in Calgary representing 176 turkey farmers across the and you won. province. DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it. CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward? DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot of good press highlighting the island cattle industry. I’m positive you’ll see more farms in our neck of the woods nominated next year. And I have to give the Canadian Cattleman’s Association recognition for choosing a farm from Prince Edward Island. We are small players in the national beef industry and I think it was a real credit to their organization to recognize us. They treated all the nominees royally and it was a real class act. It was a wonderful experience.