Presidents Message

Sometimes technology can be a scary word. It involves changing something that we have been doing for years. The phrase: “if its not broken, don’t fix it” comes to mind. But we all know that change is inevitable and sometimes the right piece of equipment/software can make all the difference in the world. Acknowledging this is a great start! I hope this issue of Block Talk will encourage you to make that change that you have been hesitant to do or at least begin the conversation. Change can be the start of something big. Go for it!

Carol Goriup, President

Meat processing in Ontario (and for almost all North America) is far behind the technological advancements being used by other industries today. MPO recently completed a project that looked at where our industry is from a technology standpoint, and from our observations, our sector has not advanced past 2008 in terms of technology being used in most meat plants today. Considering that many industries are moving towards use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and the Internet of Things there plenty of oppourtunities for our industry to adapt and evolve to improve processes. Considering our Meat and Poultry Growth strategy’s vision is to be world leaders in technology and innovation, we have a lot of work to do. Let’s be clear about expectations and what Technology can and cannot do for you. Technology can be an equalizer. Today’s technologies can help SMEs compete with bigger companies with more resources. Technology can help you work faster and smarter. Technology can improve efficiencies, boost productivity and give you a competitive advantage. These things have been proven so, but there are things technology cannot do. Technology will not implement itself. Technology will not improve your company culture. Technology is not a cut and paste solution. It is a tool and like all tools, it needs to fit the circumstances to be effective. Technology is not innovation. Innovation is what you do with things like technology to move your business forward. When used in the right situation, with the resources behind it, while aligning it with your business culture, technology can be a game changer. But the ingredient most central to success is YOU. You are in the driver seat, and if you have all the technology in the world to help you succeed it will not matter if you do not put it to work for your business. We hope this edition of BlockTalk will give you some inspiration for how you can use Technology to give you a competitive edge and drive success of your business.

Franco Naccarato, Executive Director

VISION A sustainable, respectful and diverse food system that celebrates the nutritional and economic value of meat and poultry. MISSION We strengthen the meat and poultry industry in Ontario by connecting people, influencing change and empowering our members. MPO LIFETIME MEMBERS

• Doris Valade (2019) • Laurie Nicol (2018) • Joe Abate (2017) • Brian Quinn (2016) • Graham Dalziel (2015) • Tony Facciolo (2011) • Pat Johnson (2005) • Gerry Houtzager (2003) • Leo Rocheleau (2001) • Jim Vidoczy (2000) • Nancy Ackert (1997) • Dr. Ron Usborne (1996) • Ron Deeth (1995)

MPO LONG TIME MEMBERS Thank you to our long time members who have been helping move the industry forward for over 25 years.

• Ontario Pork, Guelph (1980) • Gord’s Abattoir, Leamington (1982) • L’Orignal Packing, L’Orignal (1986) • MMIS/MONDO, Aurora (1986) • Nitta Casings, Markham (1986) • Walnut Hill Farms, Gads Hill (1986) • VG Meats, Simcoe (1987) • Rothsay, Dundas (1988) • Stemmler Meat & Cheese, Heidelberg (1988) • Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Burlington (1989) • Jetnet Norstar, Toronto (1989) • Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats, Chatham (1989) • Springer’s Meats, Hamilton (1989) • Barron Poultry, Amherstburg (1991) • Brenner Packers,

Windsor (1991) • Norwich Packers, Norwich (1991) • Weston Abattoir,

Maidstone (1991) • Handtmann Canada,

Waterloo (1992) • Hay’s Custom Cutting, Campbellford (1992) • Hoffman Meats & European Deli,

Stayner (1992) • Newmarket Meat Packers, Newmarket (1992) • WIBERG Corporation, Oakville (1992) • Schinkel’s Legacy, Chatam (1993) • Windcrest Meat Packers,

Port Perry (1994) • Malabar Super Spice, Burlington (1994) • R. Denninger Ltd.,

Hamilton (1995)

MEAT INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT (MIA) AWARD RECIPIENTS

• Hayter’s Farm, Dashwood (2016) • Schinkel’s Legacy,

Chatham (2014) • Conestoga Meat Packers, Breslau (2013) • In Memory of Dave Tiller (2012) • Halenda’s Fine Foods,

Oshawa (2011) • Springer’s Meats,

Hamilton (2010) • VG Meats, Simcoe (2009) • Stemmler’s Meat & Cheese, Heidelberg (2008) • Leo Rocheleau,

Maidstone (2007)

ASSOCIATE MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARD (AMRA) RECIPIENTS

Multivac Canada Inc., Brampton (2020) Reiser Canada, Burlington (2019) VC999, Saint-Germain-deGrantham (2018) Handtmann Canada, Waterloo (2017) Malabar Super Spice, Burlington (2016) www.meatpoultryon.ca