Identifying Barriers and Opportunities to Alternative Livestock Production, Infrastructure, and Policy in the Kingston, Ontario Region
2024
Abicht, Alex
This study investigates barriers and opportunities to alternative livestock production, infrastructure, and policy in the Kingston, Ontario, region. This was done through a literature review and nine key stakeholder interviews. It found that alternative livestock production in the area is hampered by a lack of provincial abattoir facilities, although the existing facilities meet quality expectations. It also found that poultry is exceedingly difficult to produce in the region due to restrictive supply-managed commodity regulations and a complete lack of poultry abattoirs. Higher costs of final meat products, a need for land access, and difficulties keeping animals year-round also acted as barriers to alternative livestock production. Problems with abattoir staffing, start-up costs, equipment and facility upgrades, poorly made regulations, and seasonal demand fluctuations were identified to have a detrimental effect on the opening of new abattoirs in the area. Stakeholder perceptions of consumer preferences indicated strong demand for alternative livestock products, particularly as conventional grocery store meat prices rise. Difficulties connecting with consumers and realizing the full value of alternative livestock production need to be further explored in future research.
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