Berscheid Meats of The Pas, Manitoba, is receiving more than $360,000 for the purchase and installation of an incinerator and handling equipment for the disposal of specified risk material (SRM) both from its own slaughter facilities and from nearby communities. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, Member of Parliament (Provencher) made the announcement today with Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.
“Producers and processors in The Pas are working hard to reinvigorate their businesses following a number of difficult years,” said Minister Toews, on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “I’m proud to be part of a Government that works hand in hand with processors and provinces to invest in vital projects like this one that will return dividends to Manitoba’s entire value chain.”
“This incineration facility is an important equipment addition supporting the slaughter of beef and other ruminants in this region and will serve the local slaughter industry and the solid waste disposal needs of the neighbouring communities in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner,” said Minister Bjornson on behalf of on behalf of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers. “Not only will this system
reduce the amount of animal/organic matter that would normally arrive at the local landfill, but this pro-active initiative will also help with any future needs for the disposal of animals that could be required due to disease or market interruptions. We are pleased to partner with Berscheid Meats in moving forward on this project.”
“This innovative facility and SRM handling equipment provides for a long term economically viable solution for the disposal of SRM within the region,” said Jim Berscheid, president of Berscheid Meats. “This equipment operates in excess of 850 degrees Celsius providing a clean disposal method for solid waste.”
The financial partnership for this project includes a 60/40 federal/provincial contribution of $360,810 from the governments of Canada and Manitoba. Berscheid Meats provided 25 per cent of the total project cost.
The $6.5 million Canada-Manitoba Specified Risk Material Disposal Funding Program, funded on a 60/40 federal/provincial cost-share agreement helps private businesses and communities dispose of animal parts that need to be eliminated from all food chains because they are capable of transmitting bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
The intent of the initiative is to help abattoirs and meat processors meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations related to receiving, processing, using, exporting, containing or destroying SRM in any form that leaves the premise where they were generated (i.e., farm, slaughter plant or veterinary clinic).
