Experts indicate that advancements in technology could assist the meat-processing industry in addressing labor shortages, enhancing food safety, and maintaining competitiveness against alternatives like plant-based proteins. While the Canadian agriculture sector has witnessed the implementation of numerous technologies in recent years, such as data systems for farm management and robotic milking machines, progress within meat processing has been slower. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation have revolutionized various sectors, and industry experts believe that the meat-processing sector could benefit from improved technology to overcome labor shortages, ensure food safety, and stay competitive. However, the sector has been somewhat hesitant to adopt such changes. Andreas Liris, the chief information and technology officer at Maple Leaf Foods, expresses that the industry has been slower than other sectors in investing in technological advancements. Factors like the intricate nature of working with meat, where no two animals are the same, pose challenges for replicating human touch and precision in robotic tools. Nevertheless, companies have made progress in areas like using robots for heavy lifting operations within facilities, optimizing transportation loads, and monitoring conditions during transportation. Maple Leaf, for instance, employs sensors on trucks to track temperature and humidity, improving animal welfare and meat quality. Several Canadian startups are also striving to modernize the sector, with initiatives ranging from using hyperspectral imaging and AI to understand food chemistry on the production line to developing durable equipment that can withstand rigorous cleaning measures. Labor shortage is a persisting issue in the meat processing industry, with jobs on the factory floor oftentimes being low-paying and monotonous.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the industry's dependence on manual labor, as plant shutdowns disrupted the meat supply chain and increased prices. Investing in technology could alleviate labor pressures and help regulate food prices. However, some see technology as an aid to workers rather than a complete replacement. For instance, researchers have developed tools that employ machine learning and AI to assess fat content in pork, thus enhancing efficiency. The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) provides support and funding to startups working towards transforming the industry. Technological advancements across the meat-processing sector are crucial for the broader agriculture industry and the national economy, given the significant value of Canadian beef exports. As lab-grown meat and plant-based proteins gain popularity, the meat-processing sector needs to increase efficiency. Though the sector has embraced innovation, the pace of change has not been significant enough. Cutting-edge technology in meat-packing plants remains a rarity, according to industry experts.