Manitoba is continuing to work on growing the agri-food sector.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced over $6 million in funding from the province and the federal government to increase food processing opportunities.
The announcement was made at Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon, one of the recipients of the funding.
Maple Leaf's President of Pork Operations Dennis Organ says the investment will help modernize the Brandon pork facility with state-of-the-art equipment, improving reliability, efficiency and production quality.
He says the investment allows Maple Leaf to increase processing capacity and create new jobs.
A total of 19 food processors have been approved for funding for equipment upgrades, facility expansions, and new technologies that will improve efficiency, production capacity and environmental performance.
He says by enhancing our local food infrastructure, we help to create jobs, reduce our carbon footprint and foster a resilient food system that benefits everyone.
"The funding helps them buy equipment and invest in new technologies. We're here to help them grow and be competitive as we find new and emerging markets around the world."
Some of the projects include:
Jowett Farms Corporation in Blumenort, for refrigeration and line speed improvements;
River Valley Specialty Farms Inc. in Bagot, for installation of a high-accuracy sorter;
Prairie Flour Mills Ltd. in Elie, for grain-receiving expansion;
Buffalo Creek Mills in Altona, for doubling capacity of oat-flaking; and
Prairie Fava Ltd. in Glenboro, for increasing storage capacity.
Kostyshyn notes agriculture needs to be diversified with value added opportunities, by taking advantage of what we grow, putting it into package form and retailing it - we benefit through all aspects of the value chain.