Feds Support Apple ‘Chips’ Venture

Jul 06, 2012

Martin’s Fruit Farm gets Funding for New Plant

Martin’s Family Fruit Farm will produce apple “chips” thanks to a $3 million dollar loan from the Canadian federal government to help build a new plant in Elmira, Ont. Once the plant begins to make a profit the loan will be repaid says Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. The loan is made possible through the government’s Agricultural Innovation Program.

“This project is a great example of what we’re trying to achieve,” says Ritz. “It’s a product sure to be popular with today’s health conscious consumer” says Ritz.

Not only will the loan add value to the Martin’s family business by giving them an opportunity to diversify and access to new markets, but it will also create 30 full-time jobs. The Martin’s run a 750 acre operation and their facility supports over 40 other Ontario apple growers in the region.

This week the workers broke ground for the 17, 000 square foot facility projected to be completed before December of this year and Kevin Martin couldn’t be more pleased with the commitment made by the government “it’s a market that needs to be created,” he says. “We’re going to be expending some serious energy over the next several months in branding and marketing.

The announcement comes as the Martin’s along with many other apple producers were left with only 15 to 20 per cent of their crop that survived the frost.

Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.