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Harper Government Invests in Vegetable Preservation

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July 24, 2015 – Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today an investment of $2.5 million to Bonduelle Research Inc., to introduce a new food preservation technology which prolongs the shelf-life of vegetables making them safer to consume longer after they are harvested.

This innovative state-of-the-art technology will use a new freezing process that allows vegetables to retain their colour, texture and taste, while providing a protective coating against disease-causing germs. This technology will make more vegetables available to consumers year-round, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Canada's fresh produce sector.

Quick facts

• The primary vegetable processing sector contributed $140 million to the Canadian economy in 2014.
• This investment is being made through the Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million program.
• Bonduelle North America is Canada’s largest vegetable processor with seven plants in the country, including three in Ontario’s Horseshoe Valley and four in the St. Lawrence River Valley in Quebec.

Quotes

“Canada’s vegetable industry plays a significant role in our overall economy. By introducing a new technology to enhance vegetable processing, Canada will be able to create economic opportunities for local farmers and increase the demand for homegrown crops.”

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

“Bonduelle is proud to announce a potentially revolutionary technological breakthrough which would allow us to introduce a new range of quality frozen vegetables thanks to a new manufacturing process. As a world leader in ready-to-use vegetables, we see it as part of our responsibility to innovate constantly for the benefit of our customers.”

- Daniel Caumartin, Vice-President, Bonduelle Canada Inc.

Additional Links

• AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Growing Forward 2
• Bonduelle Canada Inc.

Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations 
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 
Ottawa, Ontario 
613-773-7972 
1-866-345-7972 
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