Member of Parliament Guy Lauzon (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $1.7 million for Sevita International Corporation to increase production and processing of new soybean varieties.
"Our government remains committed to creating jobs and economic prosperity for our vital agriculture sector," said MP Lauzon. "This investment will help Sevita International to process more of what our farmers grow and allow farmers to boost their bottom lines by meeting increasing demand for soybeans in global markets."
The investment will go towards new equipment that will allow Sevita to process a greater variety of soybeans. The company receives, cleans, sorts and packages soybeans according to internationally recognized systems. The new equipment will enhance traceability, improve safety and quality and introduce new soybean varieties into the marketplace. The demand for specialty soybeans is growing, especially in Asian and European markets. Increasing its production capabilities will help Sevita become more competitive and bring Canadian soybeans to global markets.
The state-of-the-art soybean handling equipment will provide greater efficiency and lower production costs, while creating up to nine new jobs. The company contracts the production of specialty non-GM soybean varieties from more than 250 growers with farms in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Quebec, and Ontario.
"Competition is at the heart of all successful businesses," said David Hendrick, president of Sevita International Corporation. "The capital improvements which we are making to our conditioning facilities will allow Sevita International, and the soybean growers of Ontario and PEI, to sustain their position as preferred suppliers in Japan and Asia. These capital improvements will also allow Sevita International to commercialize new soybean varieties and advance food processing and product manufacturing in our own community."
Local farmers will also benefit from this project. The new equipment will be installed in all three of their processing facilities - Inkerman, Ontario; Woodstock, Ontario; and PEI - which will increase demand for local produce and create opportunities in new niche markets.
This project is supported through the Agricultural Innovation Program - a $50-million initiative announced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2011. The AIP is part of the Government's commitment to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology. The Program boosts the development and commercialization of innovative new products, technologies and processes for the agricultural sector. For more information about the AIP and other AAFC programs, please visit www.agr.gc.ca.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
