Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-321
December 8, 2005
Government Investment Will Boost Supply Of Yukon Produced Red Meat
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is making a $175,000 investment in a mobile abattoir to support growth in Yukon's agriculture industry.
"This investment will increase the amount of locally grown red meat for sale and will increase the demand and production of Yukon grain and feed as well," Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said. "This is an industry building initiative that will provide needed infrastructure to support growth in Yukon's agriculture industry."
The growth of the red meat sector in the Yukon's agriculture industry is significantly constrained by the lack of a year-round abattoir. The white meat (poultry) sector by comparison has been well served by the current abattoir. However, the abattoir does not accept game farm animals and only accepts other red meat during the month of October.
It is predicted that the acquisition of a mobile abattoir will also expand the market for Yukon grown meat, reduce imports of red meat and create additional economic benefits for other Yukon businesses.
"Once the abattoir is up and running we anticipate it will lead to an increase in the demand for Yukon grown feed, out buildings and other kinds of infrastructure," Lang added.
The Yukon government’s Agriculture branch will manage and operate the unit to develop and ensure systems are in place regarding environmental health, food safety and food quality.
The government's expenditure of $175,000 will help leverage federal dollars under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). The APF is a joint federal-provincial-territorial initiative designed to enhance opportunities for the agriculture and agri-food industry in the Yukon.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Ron Billingham |
| Cabinet Communications | Communications, Energy, Mines & Resources |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-8786 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | ron.billingham@gov.yk.ca |