New beef processing facility to open in Cape Breton

The newly opened MB Meat Company, Cape Breton's only beef abattoir, is seen. (Province of Nova Scotia)

The Nova Scotia government announced $250,000 in spending to open Cape Breton’s only provincially-inspected beef processing facility.

The facility will allow farmers in Cape Breton to process their beef locally, with the goal of improving access to locally raised beef.

“It’s encouraging to see investment in local processing capacity, which has been a long-standing priority for our members. Strengthening processing helps support farmers, grow rural economies and improve access to local food for Nova Scotians,” said president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture Alicia King.

Before the announcement, beef farmers in Cape Breton had to send their cattle off island for processing before it could be sold, which cost farmers more in transportation costs. The new facility in Cape Breton is expected to help cut those costs.

The funding is part of the province’s Nova Scotia Beef Initiative, and will go to MB Meat Company in Judique, N.S., where it provides custom slaughter and cut-and-wrap services for livestock producers.

“We are incredibly grateful for this investment and the confidence it showed in our vision. 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,” said MB Meat Company co-owner Laura McNabb.

“The Province’s support has helped us build not only a business, but a foundation that will allow us to continue serving our community with the quality products and service it deserves.”

The province says the facility will make it easier for local restaurants and retailers to sell Cape Breton-raised beef.

“Our goal is to help more beef be raised, finished and processed, here at home, on Cape Breton Island,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow in a news release. “This investment supports local producers, strengthens our food system and helps more Nova Scotia beef reach dinner tables. MB Meat Company is a strong example of families investing in their community and building the kind of local infrastructure that supports farmers, rural communities and our economy.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page