Several agricultural businesses in Manitoba are receiving a boost to help them modernize their production process, which will allow them to sell more products locally.

The federal and provincial governments announced that money from the Canadian Sustainable Agriculture Partnership (CAP) will be allocated to 70 projects over four years. Over these four years, $15.4 million will be distributed.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that we are making positive progress, adding valuable, high-quality products made by Manitoba farmers. As a result, more of these economic benefits are occurring here in Manitoba. We all know that agriculture has a long and rich history. in our province, and this is vital to our economy,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.

Four companies benefiting from this funding are Burnbrae Farms, Kimberly Packing Corporation, Roquette Canada Limited and Spenst Bros Premium Meats.

Burnbrae will now be able to improve its efficiency, which will increase its factory capacity.

Kimberly Packing can now pack Manitoba potatoes within the province, which previously had to be done outside of Manitoba.

Roquette can double its production, which means more products to sell across Manitoba.

Finally, Spenst Bros can expand its market on frozen pizzas and start selling them across Canada.

“We employ over 300 Manitobans and we are very proud of that. When I started 28 years ago, I think we were 60 people. So it’s about continuous investment, continuous growth, and that’s what the company believes in: continuing to invest. said Frank Both, Director of Western Canada Operations for Burnbrae.

“I’m happy, being a Manitoba boy, that they invested in Manitoba. Sustainable CAP funding will allow us to increase capacity and jobs here in Winnipeg and continue to provide a variety of eggs for all Canadians to enjoy. “

Both noted the expansion would also create an additional 10 to 15 jobs in Burnbrae.

The Sustainable CAP is $3.5 billion and is designed to support the agricultural industry in Canada. One billion dollars is for federal programs and activities, while the remaining $2.5 billion represents a 60/40 cost sharing between the federal government and provinces to help businesses.