East Point Potato has taken steps to expand and modernize its processing facility in South Lake. The Honourable Gail Shea today announced a Government of Canada investment on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
“Our Government recognizes that small and medium-sized businesses are the greatest source of job creation across Canada,” said Minister Shea. “This investment in East Point Potato 2009 Inc. supports the company in purchasing new and innovative equipment to improve operational efficiencies and also ensures that this rural business will continue to help drive the growth of our local economies.”
“East Point Potato is to be congratulated for moving forward on this exciting new project to improve efficiencies," said Prince Edward Island Agriculture and Forestry Minister George Webster. "It is an excellent example of how the potato industry is meeting the needs of the marketplace and strengthening its competitive position."
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will invest up to $250,000 for innovative equipment which is expected to be one-of-a-kind. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island are providing a combined investment of up to $45,500 under the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), part of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Growing Forward agreement.
The investment, for new bagger and baler equipment, and conveying equipment and project-specific infrastructure, will allow for a more efficient transition between the packing of different potato varieties and packaging requirements.
This project is a good example of how Growing Forward is supporting the agriculture industry through strategic investments. Under Growing Forward 2, Federal-Provincial-Territorial governments will continue to support the development of an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
“We are pleased to receive this government support that will enable us to streamline our operations and support business growth in rural PEI,” said Boyd Rose, company President. “This new custom made equipment will modernize our packing plant and enable us to meet projected demand and enhance customer responsiveness.”
East Point Potato has established markets with four varieties of potatoes: russets, round white dark reds and yellows. The company processes its products on site and this newly acquired innovative equipment will better suit packaging requirements and avoid significant down time in production.