J & S Visser Potato Facility Installs New Equipment
News Release
Upgrades will increase efficiency and meet consumer demand
May 18, 2017 – Vernon Bridge, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canadians’ desire for high quality potatoes is continually growing, and farmers are utilizing innovative technology to meet the rapidly increasing consumer demand for their products. J & S Visser Produce Inc. is modernizing its equipment in order to adapt to consumer needs on both a local and global scale. The Government of Canada is supporting these strategic changes in the agriculture industry to create resilient jobs and sustainable economic growth for years to come.
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 the installation of packaging equipment at J & S Visser Produce Inc. Through the Business Development Program, ACOA is providing a repayable contribution of $250,000 for the purchase and installation of the new equipment, which will enhance efficiency and assist the company in meeting growing consumer demand.
J & S Visser will add a baler and bagger system, which allows the company to move quickly between types of potatoes and various packaging sizes. Increasing the variety of its potato products not only meets market demand, but will also attract new consumers. The company’s products are sold across Canada and in the United States.
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 J & S Visser Produce Inc. that are adopting new technologies to boost their innovation capacity and competitiveness.
Quotes
“Positioning Canada as a leader in innovation is a top priority for the Government of Canada. In Budget 2017, we have laid out the Innovation and Skills Plan that focuses on people and addresses the changing nature of the economy to ensure it works for all Canadians. This plan is supporting companies, like J & S Visser in Prince Edward Island, as they modernize agricultural equipment to meet consumer demand.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“Family-run businesses are at the heart of agricultural operations across PEI. Their tireless work is recognized as they continually strive to improve and deliver to consumers nationally and internationally. Continuing to focus on the future and powering new ideas is how the Atlantic Growth Strategy will play a key role in strengthening the economy in Atlantic Canada.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“We are grateful for this project support from ACOA. The new machinery helps us to meet the growing needs of our customers, in terms of volume and efficiency, and to develop new product for a changing market. It also allows us to further the environmental sustainability of our operation, while providing a safer and less stressful workplace for our employees.”
Stephen Visser, Owner, J & S Visser Produce Inc.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Stephen Visser
Owner
J & S Visser Produce Inc.
902-659-2082