INVESTMENT IN AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced a number of measures to support the province's agri-food industry.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said the $480,000 investment will enable partners to further develop the province's food processing industry.

"I am pleased to make another investment in Saskatchewan agriculture," Wartman said. "Our province has great potential to build a strong and vibrant processing industry. Working with our partners and producers, we will grow and diversify our agriculture and food sector."

The investment will be directed to five agri-food partners.

The Saskatchewan Food Processors Association will receive $50,000 to continue to help develop markets, businesses, skills and information services to build the food processing industry. The association started the Saskatchewan Made Branding Program – a central distribution and storefront operation to members. The funding will provide support for food processors to develop the skills to enter the export market.

"We are pleased that the provincial government supports Saskatchewan food processors and recognizes the value of the Saskatchewan Made Branding Program," Saskatchewan Food Processors Association Chief Operating Officer Darrell Schneider said.

The Saskatchewan Council for Community Development will receive $100,000 to help diversify and grow the provincial agriculture and food sector by promoting, educating and training producers about the value of supply chain partnerships.

"Value chain education, awareness and training is key for producers to build lasting supply chain partnerships," Saskatchewan Council for Community Development (SCCD) Executive Director Linda Pipke said. "This investment will bring producers significant benefits and will help to further diversify and expand Saskatchewan's economy. SCCD is proud to partner with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food in providing this valuable training."

Funding of $80,000 will assist the Saskatchewan Meat Processors Association (SMPA) to develop curriculum to advance meat cutting as an indentured trade, which will enhance the safety of, and maintain consumer confidence in, Saskatchewan food products.

"This grant demonstrates that the government is committed to the objectives of the SMPA in the development of the curriculum for the journeyperson meat cutting status," SMPA President Paul Rogers said. "This grant will ensure that the success of this project will not be limited due to lack of funds. Regardless of size of operation, this project will increase the level of training and knowledge of meat processors, and establish a new level of food safety in the province."

The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre will receive $200,000 to invest in new food processing equipment, such as a dual shaft vacuum blender, a new thermal processing unit, a hot fill liquid line and an automatic labeling unit for its federally-inspected pilot plant facility.

"This investment in the food industry will increase the Food Centre's capability to assist Saskatchewan food companies in the development of new agri-food products for new markets," Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre President Dan Prefontaine said. "We are pleased to be part of the province's continued support of value-added processing in the agri-food sector."

POS Pilot Plant Inc. will receive funding of $50,000 to offset some of the costs associated with servicing Saskatchewan clients. The plant is a not-for-profit, research and development processing facility to help entrepreneurs develop value-added opportunities, such as wellness products, food and ingredients, and industrial bio-products.

"We are pleased that the province supports an organization like POS, not only through its membership and financial contributions, but also through its representation on our board," POS Pilot Plant President and CEO Robert E. Morgan said. "This helps to provide a Western Canadian perspective to the role we play."

The Saskatchewan Food Processors Association estimates the value of food and beverage shipments from Saskatchewan manufacturers at $2 billion annually. The largest food categories in Saskatchewan by number of firms are: meat products (42 per cent), grain and oilseed milling (30 per cent) and animal food manufacturing (10 per cent). Other processed products include spices/condiments, dairy products, beverages and nutraceuticals.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)787-4031	Darrell Schneider Saskatchewan Food Processors Association Saskatoon Phone: (306)683-2412
Linda Pipke Saskatchewan Council for Community Development Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-6851	Paul Rogers Saskatchewan Meat Processors Association Regina Phone: (306)280-4026
Dan Prefontaine Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-7555