East Point Potato Processor Invests in New Technology
News Release
Upgrades will help improve productivity to meet growing demand
April 28, 2017 – Souris, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Farmers work with the cycles of the season and can face unpredictable weather, but demand for their goods does not follow these same patterns. Making sure that harvests can be processed more efficiently and stored at their highest quality reduces waste and ensures consumers receive the freshest product. The Government of Canada is responding to this challenge by supporting clean growth and innovation in the agricultural sector, vital measures to a strong economy that will benefit both rural and urban communities across the country.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced federal support for upgrades to the processing facility at East Point Potato 2009 Inc. in Souris, PEI. ACOA’s Business Development Program is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000 for the purchase and installation of new equipment to increase productivity and help the company respond to an ever-changing market.
Shareholders of East Point Potato 2009 Inc. come from sixth generation potato farms that pack their own potatoes as well as product from farms in the surrounding region. The company exports to retail and food service clients across the country.
The new investment will allow East Point Potato to meet wider demand with improved efficiency and a greater capacity to process potato product on an as-needed basis. The updates build on the company’s strict standards of safety and quality, and its continuing goal of sustainable environmental practices in its operations.
This project demonstrates the Government’s new approach to economic development through innovation. Over the next five years, all six regional development agencies, including ACOA, will invest a total of $1.5 billion to strengthen innovation capacity and economic growth in each region of the country. Part of these investments will go towards supporting regional businesses like East Point Potato 2009 Inc. that are adopting new technologies to boost their innovation capacity and competitiveness.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada sees innovation as a key driver in our economy. Agricultural operations across the country are finding opportunities to improve productivity, create jobs, adopt clean technologies, and expand export opportunities. I’m pleased to see the success of farm-based businesses in Atlantic Canada taking a leading role in these initiatives.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“These family-run businesses have a deep history in our agricultural community, and a great respect for the land they till. I am grateful for their efforts, working with fellow producers to constantly adapt and improve their processing business. This sort of forward thinking, rooted in the strengths and resources of our region, is a prime example of how the Atlantic Growth Strategy will succeed in growing our economy.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“As a growing rural PEI business whose goal is to add value to our primary produce and to provide employment to rural islanders, we are pleased that our Federal Government is working with us in achieving our goal.”
Boyd Rose, President, East Point Potato 2009 Inc.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Boyd Rose
General Manager
East Point Potato 2009 Inc.
902-969-9942