Federal government announces investments in agriculture and agri-food in Sask.

Minister Vandal announces investments in agriculture and agri-food in Saskatchewan (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

SASKATOON — Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of over $10 million for eight projects in agriculture, ag manufacturing, value-added ag, and agri-food sectors in Saskatchewan. This includes non-repayable investments supporting agricultural manufacturing, and repayable investments to help expand farming operations, the output of value-added agricultural products, and manufacturing capacity for agricultural equipment.

Examples include:

• Simpson Seeds Inc. is receiving over $1.9 million to procure and commission equipment for a new lentil flour processing facility in Moose Jaw, SK.
• Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada is receiving over $1.1 million to provide business services and assistance to the agricultural manufacturing sector and agriculture sector through the Careers in Ag initiative.
• Drake Meat Processors Inc. is receiving $3.5 million to procure, install, and commission equipment for a new meat processing facility in Saskatoon to expand the market in Western Canada.

The eight projects receiving funding will help create approximately 180 new jobs and maintain more, provide services for equipment manufacturers and the agricultural sector, and help agriculture and agri-food businesses take advantage of economic opportunities to grow and diversify. These investments are hoping to create additional revenue of over $110 million for businesses in the sector, including additional export sales of over $70 million, helping to strengthen the future of Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector and support jobs.

“Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector is strong and our government’s targeted support for agricultural ecosystems and businesses will help build on that strength for the future. Today’s investments plant the seeds for new ag equipment manufacturing, ag value-added products, and increased output to help feed Canada and the world,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.

“Our hardworking farmers and the industries that support them here in Saskatchewan have helped to position Canada as a reliable supplier of top-quality products. Our government is proud to support these important projects that will create jobs and help set the sector up for even more success in the years to come,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.