Ontario is working with the Federal Government to improve the quality of processing plants. large and small, across the province to improve animal welfare and worker safety during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by making significant investments. The joint government venture will target approximately 1.8 million dollars to fund plant and food safety projects in Ontario to improve food-security and business security.
Approximately 50 projects will receive funding to help modernize meat plants.
The projects being funded are those that seek to improve working and living conditions of workers. Improving ventilation is paramount to reducing the spread of COVID-19. Covering the costs of projects to ensure the removal of surfaces that could help a virus spread is also a priority, these include floors and tables that are porous making them hard to sanitize.
The funds will also include upgrades to animal equipment. Animal movement and housing projects are being funded to improve the ability of workers to move animals while avoiding contact with other workers and animals.
The new measures are being used to ensure that Canada can reduce the amount of supply chain interruptions affecting agri-businesses. The funding comes after outbreaks at meat processing facilities have been hard hit throughout the pandemic.