The United Counties of Prescott and
Russell (UCPR) today announced the creation of an innovative food hub in
Eastern Ontario. In partnership with the private sector, the UCPR will
build a federal slaughterhouse, with food processing and distribution
capacities, in order to meet the needs of regional and national markets.
This $36-million project will create 65 jobs and will be located in
one of the UCPR’s municipalities, to be unveiled shortly, according to
certain criteria. A potential expansion is planned in order to satisfy
international demand.
“It is time for municipalities to launch innovative projects that
will generate new revenue streams that will help cover municipal
expenses with funds other than government subsidies and property taxes.
Furthermore, the UCPR will be the majority shareholder of this agri-food
company,” stated UCPR Warden Pierre Leroux.
This business model, unique in Canada and perhaps worldwide, is
modelled in part on American food hubs where producers send their cattle
to slaughter, after which they are packaged and distributed in a
predetermined market. This project is unique here because all types of
meats and vegetables will be processed.
Research has also confirmed that retailers and consumers are
increasingly interested in buying quality and traceable local products.
The food hub will therefore take the lead in the recovery and revival of
agri-food in the region, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have learned from the current pandemic situation,” added Stéphane
Sarrazin, Chair of the UCPR Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
“Due to the increasing uncertainty across international markets, food
self-sufficiency has become more important in terms of availability,
freshness and traceability.”
The UCPR’s Food Hub will further the success of existing local food
counters in retail stores. It will meet the needs of red and white meat
producers as well as vegetable growers, who will overcome the challenges
of production and processing and ensure the growth of their businesses.
The food hub will eliminate the uncertainty of sales, reduce food
waste, and will favour the creation of new products during the
processing stage.
A call for tenders to find private sector partners will be issued
shortly. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2021 and the
opening is planned for the fall of 2022.