Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

From Knives to Knobs: Sustainability and Smart Skills in Meat Value Chains

Smart manufacturing presents meat processors with an opportunity to bolster their sustainability performance, while enhancing quality and productivity. But for meat processors to harness smart manufacturing, their workers need the right skills. This research examines the extent to which smart manufacturing can mitigate high-priority sustainability issues in the meat value chain, while highlighting the worker skills needed to realize its full potential.

What are the dominant social, environmental, and sustainability issues facing meat processors, grocery retailers, and food service retailers? How can smart manufacturing—robotics, automation, and digitization—help meat processors address sustainability issues? What new skills will workers need to develop? What actions do companies need to take to address these issues?

Download Report Button
farm worker uses smartphone

More from FSC

Computer screen showing equipment eLearning module
Project

Leveraging Technology to Develop Modern Mining Skills

The Leveraging Technology to Develop Modern Mining Skills project, led by NORCAT with support from the Future Skills Centre, explored the potential for augmented reality and virtual reality to address labour and safety challenges in mining and construction. By incorporating simulations into core training programs, the project aimed to provide safer, more accessible practice environments for new workers while testing whether immersive tools could improve learning outcomes.
Group of modern employees discussing data
Project

Supporting place-based SMEs in the rural Yukon in post-pandemic environment

The initiative focused on enhancing small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) in resource management, renewable energy, tourism and cultural ventures. These businesses, vital for self-determination and economic diversification, were shown to be vulnerable during COVID-19 due to their seasonal nature and lack of long-term planning.
diverse workforce sitting around a table with computers
Project

Development of Soft Skills in Future Employees

Employers in New Brunswick have reported a pressing need for enhanced soft skills among workers. Recognizing this, the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick / Community College of New Brunswick (CCNB) launched a project designed to enhance the soft skills of its students.
View all Research