WINKLER, MANITOBA — The governments of Canada and Manitoba announced an investment of C$2.4 million ($1.8 million) over the next two years to strengthen the province’s food processing sector. Specifically, the funding will be made through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Infrastructure and Investments program to support a C$52.8 million capital project at Winkler Meats.

“Manitoba’s agri-food processing sector plays a vital role in the province as an economic driver,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food. “With this investment, Winkler Meats can deliver more of their high-quality, value-added products that they are so well known for. Working in collaboration with the partners in this project will serve to make the sector and supply chain stronger and more sustainable.”

Winkler Meats plans to use the funds in a joint venture with Johnsonville Sausage, which sources some of its hog supply from Western Canada. In an expansion project, Winkler Meats will add a high-capacity packaging line as well as new harvesting and processing equipment. Through the expansion, the company will quintuple its contribution to Manitoba’s gross domestic product to C$23 million ($17.4 million) annually.

The increase in harvesting volume will more than double the number of jobs at Winkler Meats’ facility and create value-added opportunities in the province.

The project supports Manitoba’s sustainability efforts, as large quantities of live animal exports to the United States will be diverted, reducing freight-related greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion work itself, which will be undertaken in collaboration with Efficiency Manitoba, will be completed with energy savings in mind.

“We are grateful to receive support from Sustainable CAP and Manitoba’s Capital Infrastructure and Investment program,” said Jeff Senebald, president of Winkler Meats. “This further cements Manitoba as a leading protein center in North America. The occasion to partner with a company like Johnsonville to share our respective skill sets to grow and improve the pork supply chain is an exciting opportunity for Winkler, Manitoba and Canada.”

Manitoba also announced a C$2 million ($1.5 million) investment under Sustainable CAP in June that supports overall animal welfare and a resilient food chain by pouring funding into rural veterinary services districts.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion ($2.6 billion) investment from Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments supporting the nation’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.