The Governments of Quebec and Canada Provide $375,443 for a Pilot Project on Interprovincial Meat Trade

Quebec City, July 30, 2012 - Mr. Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), and Ms. Julie Boulet, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, on behalf of Mr. Pierre Corbeil, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec regions and M.P. for Abitibi-Est, announce an investment of over $375,000 towards a federal-provincial pilot project on interprovincial meat trade. The purpose of this project is to assess the challenges involved in establishing new meat inspection requirements and, ultimately, to develop interprovincial meat trade.

Canada-wide, 13 companies are taking part in this pilot project, including one in Quebec; Produits de nos Grands-Mères N.D. inc., which is located in the Mauricie region. This cannery processes and markets such things as boneless chicken, 100% natural chicken broth, boneless pork, pickled eggs, meat sauce, fruit ketchup, home-style ketchup, marinated sausages, mayonnaise and dressings.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the interprovincial meat trade pilot project", said Minister Paradis. "This initiative is a step towards reducing the barriers to interprovincial trade and will enable meat producers and processors in Quebec and the rest of the country to share their healthy and superior-quality products with more Canadian consumers."

"This pilot project provides the Government of Quebec with new hope of having easier access to the interprovincial market. I am proud that Produits de nos Grands-Mères has been selected for this project. It is an excellent example of a company that knows how to handle competition and create an ideal place for itself in foreign markets. This local company will definitely make Quebec and the Mauricie region proud", said Minister Boulet.

"Food processing is important for the growth of Quebec's entire bio-food industry. It is also a key driver of our economy and, especially, an essential sector for the vitality of our regions. I am pleased that Produits de nos Grands-Mères can represent Quebec. It is through companies like these that we are managing to bring a taste of Quebec outside the province and show that choosing Quebec foods is always the right choice!" said Minister Corbeil.

The financial assistance comes partly from the Government of Quebec, over $150,000, and partly from the federal government, over $225,000, through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Agricultural Flexibility fund is important for implementing new initiatives that will help the agricultural sector deal with pressures and improve its competitiveness, specifically by funding projects that reduce production costs, improve environmental sustainability, promote innovation and respond to market challenges.

Produits de nos Grands-Mères manufactures "Aliments préparés au Québec" certified products under five different brands. Recall that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food introduced the "Aliments du Québec : toujours le bon choix!" campaign, the purpose of which is to remind consumers and bio-food companies that purchasing and providing Quebec food products is always the right choice from a personal, social and economic perspective.

To discover more than 14,500 Quebec products that are "Aliments du Québec" or "Aliments préparés au Québec" certified, visit www.alimentsduquebec.com/home.html. For more information about the company Produits de nos Grands-Mères N.D. inc., follow this link: www.produitsdenosgrandmeres.com.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Agriculture)
613-995-1007

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