Mid-Isle Farms Plans Export Increases
News Release
The rural-based potato washing and packing plant will upgrade equipment and increase its production capacity
April 26, 2017 – Kinkora, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Not every industry can claim to be worth over a billion dollars to the Prince Edward Island economy – but on PEI, the potato industry can. PEI continues to be the largest potato producing province in Canada. Mid-Isle Farms, a rural-based business in Albany, is playing an important role in this production and has plans to increase its export sales to the United States. Modernization and innovative equipment will be the key to Mid-Isle Farms achieving these increases, which is also a priority shared by the Government of Canada - to grow Canada’s goods and services exports.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, 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 joined members of the Mid-Isle Farms team to announce funding support. The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will provide a $400,000 repayable contribution to the company.
This project will enable Mid-Isle Farms to carry out necessary upgrades to its current production facility. In order to grow its export sales, the company will invest in additional bagging and bailing equipment to meet demand during its highest peaks.
Quotes
“Technology and innovation are playing a dominant role in how the global economy now operates. The Government of Canada has made innovation a national priority. By doing this, we are ensuring that Canada’s middle-class continues to thrive with good-paying jobs and a highly skilled and educated workforce.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“Businesses that export tend to be more innovative. Innovation does not occur on its own - the most important elements are people and talent. The Government of Canada wants to ensure that our small and medium-sized businesses are well-positioned to contribute to our country’s prosperity, and we know the important role that advanced manufacturing plays in economic growth.”
Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“Mid-Isle Farms Inc. was formed in 1982 by the co-operation of 7 local farm families. Today, we are proud to say that after 35 years, all 7 families are still investing in the business, and our local community, to see it continue to prosper. This investment will enable Mid-Isle Farms continue to expand its FoodTrust brand even further into the marketplace."
Rick Burt, CEO, Mid-Isle Farms Inc.
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Jennifer Harris
Director of Marketing and Sales
Mid-Isle Farms Inc.
902-855-2009