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AAFC invests in grain, food facilities in Alberta

Four northern Alberta food processors are growing their businesses with the help of new government investment. The federal and provincial governments are providing up to $1.3 million in grants through Growing Forward 2 to help northern Alberta food processors meet a growing demand for Alberta’s high-quality agricultural products.

Bunge Canada received approximately $280,000 through Growing Forward 2 to help upgrade its oilseed processing facility in Fort Saskatchewan.

ADM Agri-Industries, which produces renewable products for food, animal feed and chemical and energy uses, received $546,000 towards the costs of new processing equipment.

Champion Petfoods received $288,990 for equipment and systems to increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

In 2016, food and beverage processing generated $14.6 billion in sales in Alberta and was the largest manufacturing employer in the province, accounting for more than 22,400 jobs.

Another northern Alberta agri-food processor benefiting from a Growing Forward 2 grant is GFR Ingredients which purchased equipment for the production of high-protein hemp powder products.

The Growing Forward 2 initiative is a federal-provincial-territorial partnership that provides programs and services to drive an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-foods sector. By the end of the Growing Forward 2 initiative in March 2018, it is expected that more than $406 million will have been invested in strategic programs for Alberta’s agricultural sector.

August 9, 2017  By Top Crop Manager