Canadas Government of ontario has invested in Cargill’s meat processing facility in Guelph to support technological upgrades at the food processing plant.

The new investment aims to enhance productivity, export opportunities and safeguard 1,600 jobs in the region.

Cargill’s new process is expected to deliver proteins found in raw by-products, which will be used to produce protein-rich, nutritious feed for livestock, poultry and other animals to supplement their diets.

"We are helping ensure Cargill’s operations remain viable and provide great jobs for people right here in Guelph.”

It is also anticipated that this new process would create new opportunities for the business and keep ontarios beef industry competitive.

By locally producing this feed, Cargill plans to reduce its outsourcing and environmental waste.

Cargill operates around ten different agri-food businesses across the province, providing nearly 3,200 jobs.

The government is investing up to C$582,000 ($443309) towards the installation of Cargill’s C$3.5m ($2.6m) value added protein process, which will convert raw by-product into a protein-rich animal feed ingredient.

Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry is reported to be the largest and most diverse in the country.

It is also the second largest in the manufacturing sector, contributing nearly C$12.1bn ($9.2bn) to the province’s gross domestic product.

ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs and minister responsible for small business Jeff Leal said: “Our food processing sector is a key driver of our economy and our government is committed to supporting its continued growth.

"By investing in technology that will support local production, we are helping ensure Cargill’s operations remain viable and provide great jobs for people right here in Guelph.”

This investment by the government is part of its objective to support food processing sector, as well as create and retain jobs.