The Centre-du-Québec region counts a number of dynamic businesses and organizations whose innovative ideas help create a strong local economic fabric. Some organizations have succeeded in adapting to the pandemic and are prospering, while others have had to reduce their operations. Now, as we plan for the economic recovery, they need support more than ever to ensure the vitality of their communities. The Government of Canada is committed to assisting them in the pursuit of their activities and to fostering their growth and success.
With this in mind, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, acting on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced $2.5 million in financial support for Fruit d’Or, a processor of cranberries and wild blueberries. The repayable contribution will enable this Quebec business to enhance its productivity and production capacity through the acquisition of new state-of-the-art production equipment, including an automated production line.
The vast majority of the company’s berries are sourced from established Quebec growers, and the company has five production sites in Quebec. Just recently, the company announced its first U.S. acquisition. Guided by its environmental and social values, Fruit d’Or aims to offer the best of its berries on the world stage and ensure fast and reliable distribution in over 50 countries.
The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec’s economic recovery relies, among other things, on an agri-food sector with organizations that are well-grounded in the regional economy. The key players in this industry are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all.
Quick facts
- Funds have been granted under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has provided $9 million in repayable funding to Fruit d’Or in 2019 through the AgriInnovate program.
- CED is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec. With 12 regional business offices, CED helps businesses, support organizations and the regions of Quebec prepare for the economy of tomorrow.
- The success of the economic recovery will depend, among other things, on as many Canadians as possible getting vaccinated.
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