December 16, 2011 - The federal government today announced an investment of over $404,000 in Industries Riopel, a Quebec-based manufacturer of meat processing equipment, for two research and development projects to maximize the removal of SRM and high-risk tissues from carcasses processed by Canadian abattoirs.
The new SRM handling equipment being developed will reduce waste materials and disposal costs, cutting back on the volume of SRM sent to landfills and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with their transportation. The meat processing industry is expected to benefit from the knowledge and expertise related to SRM handling that will be gained from the research aspect of these projects, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stated in a release.
"Through this investment, our Government is helping develop new technology for meat processing plants across Canada which will reduce costs and increase productivity," stated Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) and MP for Beauce, Maxime Bernier. "The new equipment being developed will also reduce the volume of Specified Risk Material (SRM) being disposed of, while at the same time ensuring compliance with Canada's regulatory requirements."
"This investment under the Slaughter Waste Innovation Program (SWIP) recognizes the role of Industries Riopel Inc. as a leader in technological advances in the meat industry," added the company's general manager, Rocky Lessard.
Part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, SWIP is making available up to $40 million to support the study, development and adoption of innovative technologies or processes that help reduce processing costs or generate profits through the use or elimination of SRM.
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