Saint-Nazaire , Quebec , July 22, 2009 - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced that À l'Orée des Champs will receive $94,770 in funding through the Community Diversification program, half of it in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to set up an on-site butcher shop. Necessitating an overall investment of $235,000, this project will generate three new jobs and is expected to enable the lamb producer to double its sales over the next three years.
À l'Orée des Champs , an agri-tourism operation of Entreprise Agro-forestière DJFL Inc., promotes the commercialization and sale of regional specialty products. The first phase of the project, a country restaurant specializing in lamb-based dishes, has registered such success since opening its doors in mid-December 2008 that the company is now ready to move ahead with phase two, the installation of a butcher shop directly on the farm premises. Completion of this phase will require modifications to the existing building and the acquisition of new equipment and machinery.
"Processing companies play a major role in the Canadian economy. Indeed, À l'Orée des Champs contributes not only to the diversification of the Saint-Nazaire economy, but also to ensuring the community benefits from positive spinoffs and sustainable growth. Agri-processing is a booming sector in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and one which Canada Economic Development is firmly committed to supporting," explained Minister Lebel.
"We are proud to lend a hand to enterprises whose efforts to be distinctive, strengthen their competitive advantages and achieve their full potential are helping create wealth and a better quality of life within their communities. With the niche products it offers, À l'Orée des Champs is squarely on the path to becoming a key stop along the region's agri-tourism circuit," the Minister of State concluded.
Canada's Economic Action Plan sets out a number of measures designed to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Among these are the increase in the amount of small business income eligible for the reduced federal income tax rate of 11%, the increase in the maximum loan amount under the Canada Small Business Financing Program and the extension of the temporary straight-line accelerated capital cost allowance rate to manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment.
For more on Canada's Economic Action Plan , visit www.actionplan.gc.ca .
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Sources:
Nadia Marceau
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-4602 or 1-800-463-9808
Cell.: 418-321-0295
E-mail: nadia.marceau@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
