MAPLE LEAF INVESTMENT GOOD FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SASKATCHEWAN

Deputy Premier and Rural Development Minister Clay Serby and Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman say the Province's support of the Maple Leaf Foods expansion will benefit the province's agriculture industry and rural Saskatchewan as a whole.

"The $35 million the government has committed to this project is an investment in Saskatchewan: in the province's economy, in jobs, and in the agriculture industry," Serby said.

"The project may be based in Saskatoon, but its benefits – to hog producers, grain farmers, feed mills, agricultural suppliers, researchers, truck drivers, construction workers, and more - will be felt throughout the province. This project will create more jobs. It's a great news announcement for all of Saskatchewan."

On July 7th, the Province announced that it will provide up to $35 million in grants to Maple Leaf Foods - $22.5 million for a new slaughter and cut facility and $12.5 million directed at value-added manufacturing. Maple Leaf is constructing a new $110 million primary pork processing facility in Saskatoon, and has committed to investing up to $50 million in its value-added pork operations in the province.

Both ministers refuted the Canadian Taxpayer Federation's criticism of the investment.

With the increased slaughter capacity, Maple Leaf's local market for Saskatchewan's hogs increases from 33 per cent to 83 per cent once the new slaughter and cut facility reaches full capacity.

"This is a major step forward for Saskatchewan's agri-food industry," Wartman said. "In the last several years, hog production in Saskatchewan has more than doubled, but processing capacity has not kept pace. Maple Leaf's expansion means we can process more hogs here at home and reap the benefits to our livestock and value-added industries.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to continued investment in the province's agriculture industry. We believe in its future and its potential to contribute dollars, jobs and opportunities to the province. The Maple Leaf investment is proof positive of that."

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For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5389