May 27, 2026
 

Sunrise Farms commits CAD$100 million to new Ontario poultry processing facility targeting halal market

The Woodstock greenfield development, backed by a CAD$4 million provincial grant, will expand distribution of the company's Sargent Farms halal-certified chicken across Canada.

Canadian family-owned poultry producer Sunrise Farms is investing CAD$100 million (US$73 million) to construct a 155,000-square-foot processing facility in Woodstock, Ontario, in what the company describes as the largest greenfield investment in its history.

The facility is designed primarily to support halal-certified chicken production under the Sargent Farms brand. Chief Executive Officer David Shoore said completion will enable the company to respond to growing demand for halal-certified products across Ontario and nationally. Once Sunrise Farms secures a federal licence from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Sargent Farms products will be eligible for distribution across provincial and territorial borders, opening new markets.

The Ontario government announced a CAD$4 million (US$2.9 million) grant through Invest Ontario to support the project, stating the facility will be among the most technologically advanced poultry processing operations in Canada. Provincial Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones said the investment would strengthen Ontario's food production capacity and support job creation.

The facility is projected to create 100 new jobs and increase procurement from local farms. Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione said the development supports the agricultural community underpinning the region.

Founded in Surrey, British Columbia in 1983, Sunrise Farms operates across four provinces and currently employs approximately 3,600 people.

— Farmtario