The province is investing $250,000 in a new beef processing facility in Inverness County.
MB Meat Company in Judique is now Cape Breton’s only provincially inspected beef abattoir, offering slaughter and cut-and-wrap services for local producers.
Laura McNabb, co-owner of MB Meat Company, says, “The funding allowed us to purchase equipment and supplies that may otherwise have been delayed, while providing the peace of mind that our dream could be completed as intended.”
The facility allows farmers to process beef locally instead of shipping cattle off the island — reducing transportation costs and making it easier for restaurants and retailers to sell Cape Breton-raised products.
PHOTO: PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA
Holger Hartenstein owns the Chanterelle Inn and Restaurant in Baddeck, a popular stop along the Cabot Trail during the busy summer tourism season. Hartenstein says, “Our customers want to know where their food comes from, and they want to support local farmers whenever they can.”
Government officials marked the opening with a tour on June 27, celebrating the start of operations at the new plant.
“Our goal is to help more beef be raised, finished and processed, here at home, on Cape Breton Island,” says Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow.
The funding is part of the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative, which aims to increase processing capacity and improve access to locally raised beef across the province.
