A family-owned food processing facility in Manitoba is pleased that the federal and provincial governments have invested more than $6 million for operations across the province under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership.
Jowett Farms Corporation, a sow processing facility in Blumenort, Man., is one of 19 food processors in Manitoba that have received approval for funding to upgrade equipment, expand facilities and implement new technologies.
“It’s amazing to hear that the government will support us with some of our plans here, because we have had a lot of plans, but the market has made it kind of difficult for us to move forward with them,” said Kathyrn Jowett, a co-owner of the company. “Hearing that we’re going to get a little bit of support is going to make a huge difference in our ability to stay competitive in the market. “
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The announcement was made by federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald and provincial agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn at Maple Leaf in Brandon on July 23.
Investing in food processors will help build a more resilient food system, MacDonald said.
“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.”
WHY IT MATTERS: Canada and Manitoba are providing $6 million to help 19 food processors upgrade their facilities.
The funding will go to upgrade equipment, expand facilities, and implement new technologies aimed at improving efficiency, production capacity and environmental performance.
“These investments support our economy, strengthen our communities and ensure sustainable food security for generations,” Kostyshyn said. “By enhancing our local food infrastructure, we help to create jobs, reduce our carbon footprint and foster a resilient food system that benefits everyone.”
Maple Leaf Foods among recipients
Maple Leaf Foods is grateful for the support its received from both governments through Sustainable CAP, said Dennis Organ, the company’s president of pork operations.
“This investment will help us modernize our Brandon pork facility with state-of-the-art equipment, improving reliability, efficiency and production quality,” he said. “This investment positions us to increase processing capacity, create new jobs and strengthen Canada’s food system while meeting growing consumer demand.”
Other funded projects across Manitoba
Projects that received funding include Jowett Farms Corporation in Blumenort for refrigeration and line speed improvements; River Valley Specialty Farms Inc. in Bagot for installation of a high-accuracy sorter; Prairie Flour Mills Ltd. in Elie for grain-receiving expansion; Buffalo Creek Mills in Altona for doubling capacity of oat-flaking; and Prairie Fava Ltd. in Glenboro for increasing storage capacity.
