The federal and provincial governments are investing millions in sustainable food production and food production facilities, and some of the biggest recipients are in WestMan, according to an announcement from federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
In a release, the two levels of government said they were investing $6 million “to help grow the economy by increasing food production facilities and supporting jobs across Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)”. Brandon’s Maple Leaf pork facility and Glenboro’s Prairie Fava are among the groups getting the funds.
“When we invest in food processors, we’re helping them grow, stay competitive and ensure they can keep putting their high-quality food on tables here in Canada and around the world,” said MacDonald. “These projects will help build a stronger, more resilient food system while supporting good jobs in the process.”
Overall, 19 food producers in Manitoba were approved for funding for equipment upgrades, facility expansions, and new technologies.
“We’re grateful for the support from the governments of Canada and Manitoba through Sustainable CAP,” said Dennis Organ, president, Pork Operations, Maple Leaf Foods. “This investment will help us modernize our Brandon pork facility with state-of-the-art equipment, improving reliability, efficiency and production quality. This investment positions us to increase processing capacity, create new jobs and strengthen Canada’s food system while meeting growing consumer demand.”
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.
