Alberta gets a boost with Value-Added Agriculture Projects

Federal Government announces support for Alberta’s agricultural sector 

By: Farms.com

Through PrairiesCan, over $21 million will be invested in 14 value-added agriculture projects in Alberta via several federal programs.  

These investments are expected to create over 800 jobs and help Alberta organizations seize new opportunities in innovative agricultural products, services, and technologies. 

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program - $2,469,236 

• G.S. Dunn Ltd.: Upgrade facility with new equipment to expand mustard product production. 

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program - $8,583,222 

• Olds College: Expand Smart Farm operations and purchase new equipment. 

• Olds College: Assist agricultural start-ups and upgrade facilities. 

• Stettler Adult Learning Council: Establish a Regenerative Agricultural Lab. 

• University of Alberta: Purchase and optimize a prototyping unit for producing cellulose-based products. 

• Alberta Bio Processing Innovation Centre and Alberta Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator: Install new equipment to commercialize agricultural products. 

• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT): Develop supply chains for converting starch by-products. 

• Venturepark Labs: Host industry event and create an online program for early-stage food businesses. 

Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) - $9,877,513 

• PIP Lethbridge Inc.: Increase manufacturing capacity for plant-based protein products. 

• BiziSul Inc.: Establish a facility to convert waste sulphur into fertilizer. 

• Pure Life Carbon: Expand production of soil alternative products. 

Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program - $446,800 

• Alexander Business Corporation: Assess plant-based protein opportunities. 

• North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance: Develop a water management model. 

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) - $458,344 

• Wyvern Incorporated: Launch a satellite system for innovative farming solutions. 

These investments aim to enhance Alberta’s agricultural productivity, support innovation, and create new job opportunities, ensuring a resilient and competitive agricultural sector.