Ottawa Allocates $2.26 Million to Expand Halal Beef Processing in P.E.I.
The federal government has announced an investment of up to $2.26 million to support the expansion of halal beef processing and packaging capacity at a facility in Prince Edward Island.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada confirmed on Friday that the funding will be provided to Atlantic Beef Products Inc. under the $25 million Kosher and Halal Investment Program, which assists federally regulated beef and veal processors in adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and production capacity.
The investment, amounting to $2,256,786, was unveiled by Heath MacDonald during an announcement at the company’s processing plant in Albany.
According to the department, the funding will be used to install advanced processing and packaging technologies designed to increase meat yields and broaden the range of halal-certified beef products available to Canadian retailers.
MacDonald stated that the initiative aims to help processors respond to changing consumer preferences while reinforcing Canada’s domestic food production system.
“The Canadian beef sector plays a vital role in the economy of Prince Edward Island and the wider Atlantic region,” he said. “By investing in innovation and operational efficiency at Atlantic Beef Products Inc., our government is supporting local producers, expanding market opportunities, and addressing evolving consumer demand.”
The project includes equipment upgrades to recover more usable meat and reduce food waste, the introduction of new packaging systems for retail-ready halal products, and the installation of in-line inspection technology to enhance food safety and quality assurance.
Atlantic Beef Products is among the first companies to receive funding through the Kosher and Halal Investment Program. It is currently the only federally registered beef processing facility east of Quebec and has the capacity to process up to 750 cattle per week.
The government noted that the investment aligns with its Buy Canadian policy, which emphasizes domestic sourcing and production in federal procurement and seeks to strengthen the resilience of Canada’s food system.
The announcement comes amid broader discussions on halal and kosher food policies, following Quebec’s decision last November to prohibit the serving of halal and kosher foods in public institutions.
Source:
Juno News. (2026). Ottawa invests $226M in halal beef. https://www.junonews.com/p/ottawa-invests-226m-in-halal-beef
