Alberta beef processor reduces environmental footprint and increases production capacity

Edmonton, Alberta - February 10, 2011 - One of Alberta's largest beef processors will increase its value-added production capacity while reducing the size of its environmental footprint thanks to two Growing Forward grants, approved through the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA).

The grants, totaling $1.6 million, will be distributed over two years and will allow XL Foods to upgrade its Brooks facility by installing state-of-the-art technology that will enable the plant to double its per-day capacity for ground beef.

XL Foods Inc. is the largest Canadian-owned and operated beef processor in Canada. It is part of the Nilsson Bros. Group of companies, which are a diverse agri-business that is involved in all facets of beef and cattle production, marketing and processing. XL Foods Inc. operates facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nebraska and Idaho. For more information, please visit www.xlfoods.com.

Growing Forward is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that better positions the agriculture industry for success. The national vision is "a profitable and innovative agriculture, agri-food and agri-products industry that seizes opportunities in responding to market demands, and contributes to the health and well-being of Canadians".

The agency contributes ideas, information and investment as it works with industry partners to achieve a sustainable, profitable and internationally respected livestock and meat industry. For more information on ALMA, visit www.alma.alberta.ca.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059