The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre is receiving an additional $5-million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.
Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Clinton Monchuk says the announcement comes during Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan.
“Really we have lots to be thankful for here in this province. We have the most arable land in Canada, we have top-notch research facilities, and we have cutting-edge food processing like right here at the Food Centre.” Monchuk said. “This year, Agriculture Month will focus on the achievements within food and farming, not only of the past, but looking forward into the future on the good things that’ll be done like right here at the Food Centre.”
Food Centre President Mehmet Tulbek is grateful for the additional funding from Ottawa and Saskatchewan.
“Today’s investment will enhance our ability to expand capacity to commercialize new, innovative products and technologies. With this support Saskatchewan will continue to be one of the leaders in innovation for the food industry; we’ll continue exploring novel uses of locally grown inputs, raw materials, and co-products.
“This will enable us to help create greater value for our agri-food sector and provide industry with access to global opportunities.”
Provincial Ag Minister David Marit says the Food Centre is known the world over and gained respect within the food industry. Marit noted the funding is $1-million over 5 years.
“I really do value this facility and the work that it does,” Marit added.
“Saskatchewan has always been a leader in agriculture production,” said Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay in a news release. “With the Food Centre’s hard work over the years, and continued work to come, there will be even more opportunities to commercialize regional products in the heart of the Prairies and we’re proud to support their efforts.”
Established in 1997, the Food Centre is a non-profit organization that has supported the development and processing of over 1,000 new products, consulted with more than 500 companies and assisted in product commercialization related to almost all new agri-food start-ups in Saskatchewan.
The $5-million comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
