Centre for Meat Innovation and Technology (CMIT) Designed to Help Meat Sector in Ontario Advance and Grow

Centre for Meat Innovation and Technology (CMIT) Designed to Help Meat Sector in Ontario Advance and Grow

By Karen Sample and Janet Morley

In April, Ontario’s meat industry witnessed a significant event with the official launch of the Centre for Meat Innovation and Technology (CMIT) in Guelph. This launch, attended by Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Lisa Thompson, industry leaders, as well as dignitaries including Rene VanAcker, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, represents a major advancement in Ontario’s agri-food sector and has the potential to shape the future of the meat industry in Canada.

The President for Meat and Poultry Ontario, Kevin Schinkel, recognized the valuable contributions from the public and private sectors to make the CMIT a reality, including over $250,000 worth of donated equipment and products. Highlighting the pivotal contributions of the University of Guelph and OMAFRA,, he remarked, “We’ve made significant progress since the inception of CMIT, and these partnerships have made our journey possible.”

Schinkel also emphasized the immense potential of Ontario’s meat industry, which generates an astonishing $11.2 billion annually. His words underscored CMIT’s vital role in fostering further growth and revenue generation in the industry. Schinkel affirmed, “CMIT represents a beacon of promise for our industry, paving the way for innovation and prosperity.”

The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs shared an impassioned perspective on CMIT’s transformative potential. “We’re here because we’re celebrating all of you who believe in what we can accomplish together at the Centre for Meat Innovation and Technology,” she acknowledged.

Thompson highlighted the fact that the centre’s initiative’s are in sync with Ontario’s overarching strategy, “Grow Ontario.” This strategy ensures a secure supply chain, promotes research and innovation, and attracts top-tier talent to Ontario, all areas where CMIT’s influence is expected to be significant. “CMIT is not merely a centre; it exemplifies Ontario’s leadership, adaptability, and commitment to quality meat production,” Thompson said.

“It is genuinely a pleasure to be here with all of you this evening to participate in the launch of something that I believe with all my heart will separate Ontario from the rest of the pack when it comes to excellence in our meat industry,” she told attendees.

Thompson highlighted the importance of promoting Ontario’s sustainable and professional value chain during the launch. She underscored the significance of shaping a narrative that resonates with consumers both locally and globally. With CMIT in place, Ontario is well-positioned to strengthen its supply chain, attract and nurture talent, and further advance its meat industry through research and innovation, she noted.

“Let’s be loud and proud about our sustainable story and how much professionalism is involved in every link of our value chain,” she said.

“I thank you for your investment. I thank you for your passion and belief in what we’re doing here in Ontario. And please shout it from the rooftops. Let people know what we’re doing right here at Guelph because it’s good, and it can make a difference around the world. So don’t stop doing what you’re doing. Thompson concluded her remarks by saying, “Let’s maintain open lines of communication and continue to spread the word about the innovative work happening at CMIT.”

Tour of the University of Guelph Meat Lab

The launch of CMIT marks a leap towards creating a more competitive and resilient meat industry in Ontario. The centre is ready to drive innovation, support research, deliver skillenhancing courses, and forge new partnerships.

The tour of the University of Guelph’s Meat Lab, which will be used by CMIT for project work for MPO members and others, provided a clearer vision of how CMIT can actually work with processors to help them advance products, processes and demonstrate equipment they may want to have in their own plants.

During the facility tour, hands-on processing and the potential for collaborations to drive innovation were discussed. The tour showcased advanced processing techniques, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation, and demonstrated CMIT’s commitment to addressing industry challenges

and leveraging opportunities. CMIT aims to establish close relationships with local farmers, processors and those supplying the industry while contributing to research and innovation.

The Path to the Launch

Meat & Poultry Ontario Executive Director, Franco Naccarato, outlined the research and background that led to the formation of CMIT. The narrative underscored the need to embrace technology and the sector’s growth potential, with a recognition that strategic investments could potentially double the capacity of small abattoirs. Research showed that an investment of $50 million would result in a 7:1 return, ultimately a huge win for MPO members as well as the Ontario economy. The centre’s dedication to attracting the next generation of workers by showcasing industry technological advancements was also emphasized.

What makes CMIT different and unique?

Luis Garcia, the Director of CMIT reviewed CMIT’s mandate, core objectives and operational strategies, and launched a fundraising campaign to help the Centre cover operations costs for three to five years while it builds identified revenue streams. “Collaboration and innovation form the bedrock of CMIT,” he noted, emphasizing that the centre serves as a hub for showcasing and accessing globally sourced cutting-edge technologies.

With the launch of CMIT, Ontario’s meat industry is entering a new era of collaboration and shared progress. CMIT is determined to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the meat processing industry, catering not only to large-scale processors but also to smaller-volume operations. The centre’s focus on identifying research opportunities and assisting meat processors of all sizes in adopting new technologies levels the playing field and fosters healthy competition within the industry, Garcia explained.

Hadley Carpenter, Regional Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, praised the ambition, passion, and industry expertise behind the establishment of CMIT. On behalf of the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Carpenter expressed gratitude and extended congratulations to everyone involved, emphasizing that partnerships like these are crucial for problem solving and bolstering the success of Canadian agriculture.

The launch of CMIT has sparked anticipation across Ontario’s meat industry, as it represents a game-changer for the sector. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, technology adoption, and innovation, CMIT is steering the industry towards increased productivity, profitability, and resilience.

CMIT’s vision aligns with a brighter future for Ontario’s meat industry, driven by harnessing the power of technology, fostering collaboration, and nurturing talent. With a renewed focus on sustainability, skill development, and technology, the industry is poised for success. As Kevin Schinkel aptly stated, “CMIT stands as a testament to collective ambition and vision, ready to propel Ontario’s meat industry into a new era of innovation, growth, and success.”