Helping Alberta agri-food businesses grow

Dec 05, 2023

Alberta’s agriculture industry is important to the province’s economy, accounting for more than $16.2 billion in exports in 2022. The province’s agri-food processing industry is growing, with food manufacturing sales reaching a record $22.7 billion in 2022, more than 20 per cent of total provincial manufacturing sales.

The government is ensuring the industry continues to grow by expanding the Leduc food centre’s Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator (APBI) by 2,300 square metres. This expansion will allow more food processing companies to take the next steps to grow their business and put more food on tables around the world.

“Alberta’s food industry is known for its affordable, high-quality products that are helping to feed the world. This expansion is a great step in helping Alberta’s agri-food sector continue to grow. When our agri-food industry thrives, it drives innovation and boosts Alberta’s economy.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
One of two facilities in the Leduc food centre, the APBI helps small businesses prepare products for sale within Canada and around the world by providing them with the tools they need to meet federal food regulation requirements. Since the APBI was established by Alberta’s government in 2007, it has helped small businesses produce a wide variety of value-added food products for retail, wholesale, hospitality and food service markets. These products range from dumplings to baked goods and even fully cooked meat items.

“This expansion shows our government’s commitment to supporting economic growth. Investing in agricultural infrastructure diversifies our economy, creates high-quality jobs and helps Alberta’s food companies and farmers expand and pursue new business opportunities.”

Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure
Pre-renovation, the area was able to support seven businesses. With renovations completed, up to nine companies can now lease a food processing suite and access product development support, business services and shared staff amenities. Businesses typically lease the suites for three to five years, after which they graduate to their own processing facility. Food processing companies can get more information about the suites and lease application online.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.