The federal government is investing more than $10 million in nine Saskatchewan agriculture and agri-food projects aimed at expanding food processing, supporting innovation and helping businesses reach new markets.
The funding, announced Wednesday by Prairies Economic Development Canada, will support businesses and organizations involved in food processing, agricultural technology, genomics research and export development.
The announcement was made by Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, on behalf of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski, alongside International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
Investment targets value-added agriculture
Among the recipients are the Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership, the Global Institute for Food Security and the Prairie Agriculture Machinery Institute, which will receive funding to help businesses develop new products, commercialize technology and expand production capacity.
The federal government is also supporting infrastructure upgrades at POS Biosciences Corp. and Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. to modernize processing and packaging facilities for specialty food ingredients. North 49 Foods Ltd. will expand pork processing capacity in Moose Jaw, while Prairie Meats Inc. will upgrade facilities in Saskatoon to meet federal food safety standards and increase production capacity.
Saskatchewan exports highlighted
The federal government says Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector accounts for more than 40 per cent of the province’s exports, reaching $18 billion in 2025.
Trade Minister Sidhu said the investment is intended to help businesses expand into new international markets while strengthening domestic supply chains.
Belanger said the projects are designed to help the next generation of producers, processors and agri-food businesses continue growing while creating jobs in rural Saskatchewan.
Programs support innovation and trade
The funding is being delivered through PrairiesCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity Program, Regional Innovation Ecosystems program and Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
According to the federal government, the investments are intended to help businesses improve productivity, commercialize new technologies and diversify export markets in response to evolving global trade conditions.
The government says Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector grew by more than seven per cent in 2024 and more than 15 per cent in 2025, making it one of the province’s fastest-growing industries.