05/21/2026
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Welcomes $100 Million Investment in the Agri-food Sector
Sunrise Farms’ expansion will create 100 new jobs in Oxford County and strengthen Ontario’s agri-food processing capacity
May 20, 2026
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
WOODSTOCK — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of over $100 million from Sunrise Farms, a family-owned Canadian poultry business, to build a new state-of-the-art processing facility in Woodstock. This major expansion builds on the company’s strong foundation in the Canadian poultry industry, while strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and self-reliance of the province’s agri-food supply chain by creating 100 new, good-paying jobs in Woodstock and supporting 248 existing positions across Ontario.
“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government is fostering its long-term competitiveness and resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As demand for Ontario-made products rises, Sunrise Farms’ investment will add critical processing capacity to our domestic supply chain, creating new opportunities for Ontario workers, farmers and suppliers.”
With this investment, Sunrise Farms will develop one of the most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in Canada, while maintaining high food-safety and environmental standards. Once operational, the new, 155,000-square-foot facility will significantly enhance the company’s processing capacity, increase procurement from Ontario farms and support economic growth across rural communities.
“Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, generating $52 billion in GDP and employing 1 in 9 people across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This significant investment by Sunrise Farms to expand their processing capacity will help ensure our province remains a global leader in food production while creating jobs and strengthening Ontario’s food independence.”
Upon receiving its federal license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Sunrise Farms will also be positioned to expand the distribution of its Sargent Farms branded products across provincial and territorial borders, unlocking new market opportunities for Ontario-made goods across Canada. In support of this investment, Ontario is providing up to $4 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.
“We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within Ontario,” said David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms. “This project represents the largest greenfield investment in Sunrise's history. Upon completion, the new facility will enable Sunrise to respond effectively to increasing demand for Sargent Farms branded halal certified products throughout Ontario and nationwide. This development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and reinforce Ontario's food system.”
In the face of global economic uncertainty, the government continues to deliver on its mandate to protect Ontario workers and businesses by lowering taxes, reducing red tape and fostering the conditions for companies to invest and grow. Since 2018, Ontario has attracted over $222 billion in investments, supporting the creation of one million new jobs.
Quick Facts
• Founded in 1983, Sunrise Farms is a family-owned and operated Canadian businesses employing approximately 3,600 workers across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Ontario is the largest food processor in Canada and a top four jurisdiction in North America. Investments in food and agri-processing strengthen Ontario’s food security and export capacity by reinforcing domestic supply chains that support over 50,000 farms and more than 5,400 food and beverage manufacturing locations across the province.
• In 2025 alone, Ontario attracted more than $1.3 billion in agri-food manufacturing investments, supporting hundreds of new jobs and strengthening advanced manufacturing capabilities.
• In 2024, Ontario’s chicken and turkey producers supported $3.1 billion in direct GDP and more than 52,000 direct jobs across Ontario’s agri-food value chain from farm to fork.
• Since its inception, Invest Ontario has announced $13.9 billion in investments by companies, resulting in the creation of more than 12,600 jobs across the province. •
Quotes
"Today’s announcement is a major endorsement of Oxford, our local workforce, and Ontario’s agri-food sector. Sunrise Farms’ investment will help create new jobs, strengthen our local economy, and support long-term growth in food processing and agriculture right here in our community. I want to thank Sunrise Farms for their continued commitment to our community and their confidence in the future of Oxford."
- Ernie Hardeman
MPP, Oxford
"We’re excited to welcome Sunrise Farms to Woodstock. Their significant investment shows the advantages our city offers and will bring new jobs, strengthen our economy, and support the farmers who are the backbone of our region. This project reflects our commitment to diversifying our economy, and we’re grateful to our provincial partners for helping bring this investment to our city. It’s a perfect fit for Woodstock and a powerful example of our rural and urban strengths working together to help feed Canada."
- Jerry Acchione
Mayor of Woodstock
"Sunrise Farms’ expansion reflects the strength of Ontario’s agri-food processing sector and the province’s commitment to supporting companies as they grow. By helping Sunrise navigate workforce planning, connect with partners and access government programs, Invest Ontario provided the support needed to move this expansion forward. We are pleased to support Sunrise as it grows its operations and contributes to Ontario’s food security and rural economic growth."
- Khawar Nasim
CEO, Invest Ontario
Additional Resources
• 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario
• Invest Ontario
• Grow Ontario Strategy •
Media Contacts
Jennifer Cunliffe
Minister’s Office
[email protected]
Media Relations
Communications Branch
[email protected]
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