Government of Canada : Providing High Quality Potatoes Year-Round

Funding supports installation of new technology for fresh food storage to meet growing demand

January 9, 2018 - Elmira, PE - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Potato growers and producers in Prince Edward Island must take innovative steps to keep up with increasing global demand for the province's most famous vegetable. A competitive agriculture industry that continues to value the quality of its product, while exploring new and diverse export opportunities, means job creation for rural areas of Atlantic Canada. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in new, state of the art technology for a potato producer in Eastern PEI so it can extend employment opportunities for its staff.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced funding for Marvyn's Garden Inc, to support part of a new refrigerated potato storage facility the Elmira producer is building.

A repayable contribution of $180,000 is being provided through ACOA's Business Development Program to purchase and install an advanced ventilation system that will allow the producer to expand its packing season to 12 months of the year.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region's competitive advantages, such as its thriving agriculture industry, strong export potential, growing innovation network, and skilled workforce.

Quotes

'In Atlantic Canada, companies are introducing new technology to traditional industries in order to compete in expanding global markets. This innovative approach to the recognized mainstays of our rural economy is bolstering the strengths of the region and creating better employment opportunities. The Government of Canada is pleased to support agriculture and business leaders working to bring quality Canadian products to the world.'

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

'The Robertsons have been farming this land for generations and have shown tremendous leadership in that time. As demand for PEI potatoes continues to increase and new markets develop, Marvyn's Garden is keeping pace with a forward thinking approach, investing in innovative solutions to stay competitive and remain an attractive employer in rural PEI.'

• The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan

'We thank ACOA for its support in the purchasing of our refrigeration and ventilation systems. Our new potato storage uses state of the art technology to control the climate inside the building. This enables us to store potatoes longer into the storage season and supply our customers with quality fresh potatoes on a year round basis.'

• Chad Robertson, Vice-President, Marvyn's Gardens Inc.

Quick Facts

• Owned and operated by Marvyn Robertson and his two sons, Chad and Bradley Robertson, Marvyn's Garden is a sixth-generation family farm mainly growing and selling potatoes.

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569

Chad Robertson
Vice-President
Marvyn's Garden Inc
[e-mail]
902-357-2732