MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN — Canada's Economic Action Plan is delivering real results for hog farmers and meat processors in Saskatchewan. Member of Parliament Ray Boughen (Palliser) announced today an investment of more than $1.7 million to Donald's Fine Foods for the refurbishing of its facility in Moose Jaw. This repayable contribution will aid in the purchase of new slaughter and meat processing equipment, allowing the company to increase its capacity and meet demands of an expanding market.
"Our Government knows that the agriculture industry is a core economic driver in Canada, creating jobs while putting safe, high quality food on our tables," said MP Boughen, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "I'm pleased to be part of a Government that makes smart investments, like these, to strengthen our economy and communities across Canada. This investment will allow Donald's Fine Foods to increase its capacity and boost sales of Canadian pork right here in Moose Jaw and around the world."
This investment will reintroduce pork slaughter capacity to Saskatchewan, a province responsible for approximately 10% of Canada's swine production. Donald Fine Foods expects to process approximately 300,000 hogs per year at this facility and creating up to 221 full time positions in the local economy.
"We are very excited about our first venture into the Province of Saskatchewan," said David Pruim, CFO of Donald's Fine Foods. "This program has many benefits as it allows us to expand our processing capacity, provides producers a local market for their high quality hogs, and creates jobs in the community."
Funded through the AgriFlexibility Fund, the AgriProcessing Initiative is a five-year, up to $50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/api.
Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy. For more information, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement for the project.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
