Note - Please contact the MTAP Coordinator for the deadline for MTAP3 applications.

The Meat Transition Assistance Program (MTAP)’s first phase began in April 2006 and funding was fully allocated by December 2007.  Its intent was to encourage operators of existing unlicensed slaughter facilities to undertake plant upgrades and encourage construction of new facilities in under-served regions to meet new provincial licensing standards.  During the Phase 1 program period, the number of provincially licensed plants doubled, from 15 to 30.

By early 2008 it was evident that, although several areas of the province had adequate licensed slaughter capacity, gaps remain, in certain regions and for certain species, especially poultry.  In addition, a number of proponents had approached the MTAP Phase 1 program in fall 2007 after its funds were fully committed, and more are still coming forward.  Accordingly in April 2008 the Province provided a further $3.2 million for a Phase 2, to be targeted on filling outstanding gaps.

MTAP 3 will be operated according to the original MTAP 1 operating procedures, subject to the following modifications articulated in the Phase 3 Terms of Reference:

MTAP 3 funding ($1.2 million) will be directed as follows, with priority to underserved areas:

1. Assist plants that were unlicensed before July 23, 2004 to upgrade to provincial standards
2. Assist in development of new or expanded provincially licensed slaughter capacity
3. Provide supplemental funding for plants in critical areas which are essential to maintaining adequate access to slaughter services

The BC Food Processors Association delivers the MTAP program. It also runs the Meat Industry Enhancement Strategy (MIES). Where MTAP provides capital cost support for facility upgrades and construction, the MIES provides advice and assistance to proponents through the steps towards licensing with the BC Centre for Disease Control and compliance with related requirements, such as waste management. The overall goals of both programs are to support:

• Reasonable access to provincially licensed slaughter facilities for all BC regions
• Increased licensed livestock slaughter capacity
• A basis for future expansion

The challenge of helping facilitate transition from a largely unregulated commercial sector to a regulated and compliant one is considerable. The BCFPA gratefully acknowledges the support, both in funds and in hours of consultation, from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, and other government agencies at all levels, and above all, the persistence of the slaughter plant operators in their quest to provide licensed and inspected services for BC’s livestock sector.

Send your completed applications to:

MTAP Coordinator
BC Food Processors Association
35707 Sunridge Place
Abbotsford, BC V3G 1E5
Fax: (604) 746-4409
Email: mtap@bcfpa.ca

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