Lévis, Quebec, April 23, 2008 – Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced that the firm Hortau Inc. has been granted $120,000 in repayable funding to hire a marketing specialist. This individual will be responsible for overseeing implementation of the strategy this young Lévis-based firm has put in place to expand into foreign markets.
Hortau designs and sells innovative irrigation management systems that help improve agricultural productivity while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The new technology developed by Hortau is equipped with an optical process that allows for precise measurement of the level of humidity in the soil. In stretching the boundaries of conventional agricultural practices, the company is demonstrating that it is indeed possible to save time and energy while conserving water and fertilizers.
"One of the main advantages of Hortau's products is the role they play in reducing the discharge of pollutants into the environment. The Government of Canada has chosen to support this SME in order that it may increase its strategic capabilities on foreign markets and capitalize on the opportunities open to it in this booming field. By gaining a foothold in the North American marketplace, Hortau will be helping Canada enhance its position in sectors where our enterprises still show little market presence, such as ornamental horticulture, irrigation and water management," noted Mr. Gourde.
"Innovation is critical to improving productivity and expanding markets. The smart solutions Hortau has developed and offers its customers are of timely importance because they address key environmental issues. Not only are they completely in line with our national innovation and sustainable development priorities, they also help give enterprises in the greater Québec region added value on the technological level. The Government of Canada is proud to lend its support to a firm like Hortau and, in so doing, to encourage the creation of viable, dynamic and outward-looking enterprises that bring jobs to our communities," commented Minister Blackburn.
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Sources:
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-648-4679
Cell.: 418-580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Sylvain Frenette
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: sylvain.frenette@dec-ced.gc.ca
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