When Marsden Meadow Farm set out to expand its poultry processing operations in the Comox Valley, the goal was creating greater processing capacity for local poultry producers, supporting regional food security, and ensuring that food safety systems could keep pace with demand. 

Marsden Meadows Farm had become an important part of the local food supply chain. As the business prepared to expand its services, maintaining the highest food safety standards was a critical priority. 

Through the Food Safety Program (FSP), BC food businesses can access support to assess food safety risks, implement improvements, and pursue recognized food safety systems and certifications. The program is designed to help BC businesses strengthen food safety practices while building consumer confidence in BC-grown and BC-processed food products.  

For Marsden Meadow Farm and Abattoir, investments in food safety are directly tied to business growth. As owner and operator, Christine Mooney states:

“This grant enabled me to fully equip the cut up room to be able to offer value added poultry to the Comox Valley and surrounding area farmers in a food safe environment… It allowed me to offer food safe packaging and storage with a new reach in cooler and vacuum packer.” 

Through their strengthened food safety systems, Marsden Meadow Farm is helping to create a more resilient food processing network for poultry producers across the Comox Valley. Greater access to safe, reliable processing services allows local farmers to focus on production while ensuring birds are processed according to modern food safety standards. 

Mooney reflects on her experience with the program “I really appreciate all that IAF does for the agricultural community as I would not have been able to be where I am at Marsden Meadow Farm and Abattoir with you. The [Food Safety funding] has been the boost financially I needed.” 

The Food Safety Program supports businesses in receiving Food Safety Assessments, Improvements, and Certifications. By supporting businesses like Marsden Meadow Farm, FSP helps strengthen confidence in BC food products, improve market readiness, and build a more competitive agrifood sector across the province. 

Funding for the Food Safety Program is provided by provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.