Small and medium-sized agricultural operations in PEI must adopt innovative solutions to compete in export markets and improve opportunities for employment in rural areas. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting facility upgrades at Thompson Potato Company Inc. to increase its processing capacity and extend the packing season, creating longer term employment for staff while supporting local potato growers.

“The Government of Canada supports agriculture and rural-based businesses across the country that have for generations built Canada’s excellent international reputation for food. In Atlantic Canada, we see companies maintaining strong roots in their communities while introducing new technology, new skills, and new processes to traditional industries. This innovative thinking builds on the established strengths and distinct resources of the region, and provides greater opportunity for all.”

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Thompson family farm in Victoria is a great example of a traditional rural business that looks toward modern solutions to maintain high food safety standards and ensure the best quality of Island product is being shipped for consumers far and wide. The company’s latest investment will also help extend full-time, year-round jobs in Central PEI. I am pleased that our government is supporting the next phase of growth at this company.” 

• The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

“The storage upgrades and new optical equipment are essential to our plan for long-term, sustainable growth at Thompson Potato, and we are grateful for the repayable support from ACOA that helps us to make these investments now. The latest steps give us the capacity to better serve growers across PEI, access new export markets, and expand employment opportunities with our company.”

• Wayne Thompson, Thompson Potato Company Inc.

• • Thompson Potato Company (TPC), located in Victoria, PEI, was incorporated in 2007 and is owned by brothers James Thompson and Wayne Thompson. It currently employs 10 people. All product is sold and marketed by Garden Isle Farms.
  • TPC grows 40-50 acres of potatoes annually. The family farm (owned by John and James Thompson) grows an additional 190 acres that feed into TPC. The company also packs product from growers across the Island.
  • The technology upgrades enable the company to extend its packing season to twelve months of the year, providing customers with continuous supply.
  • The new optical grading and sizing equipment will allow greater efficiency and provide wider access to high value markets that require tighter size and grade specification.
   

Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569

Wayne Thompson
Thompson Potato Company Inc.
902-437-2100