The governments of Canada and Manitoba are channeling significant investment into enhancing local food processing capacity, a move that promises to benefit the province’s potato growers and the industry as a whole, according to a press release.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) aimed at enabling producers to sell more products locally and create new agricultural jobs.
“We’re supporting Manitoba companies to process more of our homegrown agricultural products right here, so we can grow our agriculture sector and our economy,” Kostyshyn says. “Helping food processors scale up production will mean more good Manitoba jobs, an increased value and volume of Manitoba-grown commodities, and a more competitive economy that benefits all Manitobans.”
Sustainable CAP will see up to $15.4 million allocated over four years to 70 projects through the Capital Infrastructure and Investments program. This funding supports growth and expansion through modernization activities that improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Among the companies receiving support is Kimberly Packing Corporation, part of Kroeker Farms Limited, which specializes in potato production and processing in southern Manitoba. This funding will allow Kimberly Packing to package their products locally in Manitoba, rather than relying on out-of-province processes.
