Ag sectors in Sask. and Manitoba are among early recipients
Parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba’s ag sectors are among the early recipients of tariff support from the federal government.
On Sept. 3, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced almost $16 million in funding for 15 Manitoba projects.
Among them is Buhler Versatile Inc.
This ag equipment manufacturer is receiving $1 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support its operations.
The federal dollars will help the company “add new manufacturing and material-handling equipment to increase production capacity and reduce operating costs,” PrairiesCan’s website says.
Global Drain Technologies, a drain solutions manufacturer for meat and poultry processors and other ag sectors, is also receiving $1 million from the RTRI to support productivity and cost reductions.
On Sept. 2, Buckley Belanger, the secretary of state for rural development, announced almost $12 million to support projects and workers in Saskatchewan.
This tranche of funding includes support for Doepker Industries.
In total, the manufacturer of hoppers and other kinds of trailers will receive more than $2 million to expand its operation capacity and diversify markets.
Drake Meat Processors is also receiving support.
More than $3 million is earmarked for the processor to purchase equipment to expand and automate sausage, beef, and cured pork production lines in Saskatoon.
“Drake Meats is in the final stages of constructing its new federally inspected plant in Saskatoon, scheduled to open in December 2026. The new Saskatoon facility will increase Drake Meats production capacity and deliver high-quality, Canadian-produced products to consumers across the country,” Caileigh Beckman, director of operations with Drake Meat Processors, said in a statement.
And Tritana Holdings, which operates in the province as Redekop Manufacturing and builds harvesting and crop residue equipment, will receive $1 million to expand its welding facility.