Key Takeaways

• The Canadian government is investing over $3.2 million in agricultural projects across Saskatchewan.
• Funding will support innovations in the agri-food and agricultural manufacturing sectors, enhancing local production and efficiency.
• Four specific projects will receive funding, including a new lupin processing facility and advanced railcar technology.

Investment in Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Sector

On March 3, Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of $3,265,583 aimed at boosting the agricultural manufacturing and agri-food sectors in Saskatchewan. This funding is designed to unlock value-added opportunities by enhancing individual companies and expanding the local food ingredient cluster’s capacity. The initiative also focuses on commercializing new technologies to improve both the safety and efficiency of railcar loading.

Minister Duguid emphasized Saskatchewan’s role in global food production and agricultural innovation, stating that the investment would not only benefit local producers but also drive economic growth through innovation tailored to Saskatchewan.

Two standout projects funded by this initiative are:

1. **Lupin Platform Inc.**: Awarded $500,000, the company will develop Canada’s first lupin processing facility in Swift Current. This facility aims to produce ingredients for human consumption, pet food, and high-value animal feed, simultaneously creating local jobs and positioning Canada as a leader in the global lupin market.

2. **Oleet Processing Ltd.**: Receiving $1,400,000, this Regina-based company plans to expand its production to meet increasing demand for Omega-3 enriched feed products. The expansion targets the poultry and North American dairy markets with a plant-based feed that reduces greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle.

Additionally, **RayHawk Technologies Inc.** is allocated $1,015,083 to advance a machine learning system designed to automate the opening and closing of railcar lids. The funding facilitates a demonstration at a grain terminal in Saskatoon, and successful implementation will prompt hiring for marketing efforts.

Lastly, **Ag-West Bio**, a non-profit organization that bridges research and market needs, will receive $350,500 to bolster programming and enhance the food ingredient industry’s capacity in Saskatchewan.

These investments not only support immediate projects but also aim to sustain the agricultural sector in Saskatchewan for years to come, ensuring its competitiveness and innovation in the market.

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