Government of Canada invests in agricultural manufacturing and agri-food sectors in Saskatchewan (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)
SASKATOON — On Mar. 3, Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced new federal funding of $3,265,583 for four projects across Saskatchewan. This funding will try to create new prospects for value-added agri-food through strategic investments in individual companies and increased capacity for the local food ingredient cluster. The agricultural manufacturing sector will also benefit from commercialization of new technology to load railcars with improved efficiency and safety.
“Saskatchewan has long helped feed the world, and now it’s leading the way in agricultural innovation. Our government is investing in Saskatchewan’s ag manufacturing and agri-food production to build on this strength. Today’s investments will help create new opportunities for Saskatchewan producers, grow local food and ingredient production, and drive Prairie prosperity with made-in-Saskatchewan innovation,” said Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan.
“Innovation and hard work are right at the heart of Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector. By supporting these vitally important projects, which will help enhance the food ingredient industry, develop new processing tools, and improve rail transport for our top-quality Canadian products, we’re keeping the sector strong for years to come,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
- Lupin Platform Inc. ($500,000)
This funding will allow Lupin Platform to accelerate the creation of Canada’s first lupin processing facility, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The facility will produce ingredients for human consumption, pet food, and high-value animal feed. It will also create local jobs and serve both domestic needs and export opportunities to help establish Canada as a key player in the global lupin market. - Oleet Processing Ltd. ($1,400,000)
This company based in Regina, Saskatchewan will expand its manufacturing capacity and improve productivity to meet demand for Omega-3 enriched feed products. Oleet will build on its poultry feed business and focus on developing the North American dairy market for their products. This Omega-3 plant-based feed helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering methane emissions from dairy cattle. - RayHawk Technologies Inc. ($1,015,083)
Funding for RayHawk will help the company commercialize a machine learning autonomous system that opens and closes railcar lids. They will install and commission a demonstration site in an outdoor setting at a large grain terminal in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to prove the technology works in that environment. RayHawk will also hire marketing professionals and implement a go-to-market strategy once the outdoor demonstration site is proven successful.
Ag-West Bio, a non-profit helping move research to market and grow bio-business in the province, is receiving $350,500 in non-repayable funding under the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program to enhance food ingredient cluster capacity and programming in Saskatchewan.
link