BELFAST, P.E.I. (Rural Roots Canada) – Seven Prince Edward Island farming operations are getting federal funding to modernize their equipment as part of a push to keep the province’s agrifood sector competitive.
The government announced a total of $2.1 million in investments on Sunday, with most of the money going toward automation and processing upgrades.
Heath MacDonald, the federal agriculture minister and Malpeque MP, made the announcement on behalf of Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who’s responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The funding covers different agricultural businesses on the Island, from potato farms to mussel operations, all trying to boost efficiency as demand grows.
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East Point Potato 2009 Inc. is getting the biggest chunk at $500,000 for automated packing equipment. Nabuurs Gardens Ltd. secured $600,000 to upgrade its facility so it can do more processing and storage in-house.
Hakkers Produce Inc. is receiving $278,000 for packing equipment upgrades, while PEI Mussel Farms Inc. got $262,500 for equipment to boost productivity.
Power Farms will use $200,000 for new processing equipment, and Victoria Potato Farm Inc. received $97,500 for automation that should make operations more efficient.The Prince Edward Island Potato Quality Institute Inc. is also getting $207,540 to upgrade testing and research equipment for the potato industry. It’s the only portion that doesn’t need to be repaid.
In a statement, MacDonald called the agriculture and agrifood sector “the backbone of our communities” and said the investments support producers across the country.
Kent MacDonald, the Cardigan MP, said the projects will help build a strong future for the sector.
The money comes through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. It’s part of the federal government’s broader effort to help food producers adopt new technology and stay competitive while moving toward more sustainable practices.
