Backgrounder: Minister Vandal announces investments in agriculture and agri-food in Saskatchewan

PrairiesCan is providing $10,188,290 for eight projects in Saskatchewan’s agriculture and value-added agriculture sectors

Non-repayable program funding

Investments announced today under the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program are non-repayable. The RIE program helps create, grow, and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems. Through RIE, targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations assist businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally.

• Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada ($1,166,000)
  Provide business services and support to the agricultural manufacturing sector and agriculture sector through the Careers in Ag initiative.
• Prairie Agriculture Machinery Institute ($1,100,000)
  Purchase and commission the latest equipment and software to assist small and medium enterprises on the Prairies develop, design, test, and commercialize products and processes in the agricultural, mining and transportation sectors.
• Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Inc. (STEP) ($600,000)
  Promote advanced manufacturing through international engagement. Lead a Pan-Prairie advanced manufacturing trade mission in agriculture manufacturing industry in the next two years.

Repayable program funding

Investments announced today through the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program, and the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) are repayable funding for businesses. BSP offers interest-free, repayable funding to small and medium-sized businesses to scale up and produce innovative goods, services, or technologies. CEDD backs initiatives that help communities diversify their economy through inclusive and sustainable growth. JGF provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.

• Drake Meat Processors Inc. ($3,500,000)
  Procure, install, and commission equipment for a new meat processing facility in Saskatoon to expand the market in Western Canada.
• Simpson Seeds Inc. ($1,955,711)
  Procure and commission equipment for a new lentil flour processing facility in Moose Jaw, SK.
• Pelican Lake Farms Ltd. and Pelican Lake First Nation ($1,000,000)
  Establish a farming operation on Pelican Lake First Nation in northwest Saskatchewan.
• Prairie Energy Resources Inc. ($440,079)
  Implement bulk cooking oil delivery for Saskatchewan restaurants to reduce plastic waste.
• Vale Industries Ltd. ($426,500)
  Purchase, install, and commission equipment that will increase manufacturing capacity of their agricultural, aggregate, and mining equipment products.

Related products

• News Release: Minister Vandal announces investments in agriculture and agri-food in Saskatchewan

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Green Prairie Economy
• Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP)
• Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)
• Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD)
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
• Careers in Agriculture - Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada