August 21, 2020 - Stephenville, NL - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - ACOA
Canada's food and beverage industry has been hit hard by COVID-19. The Government of Canada has taken significant action to help the industry through this difficult period and is committed to giving businesses the tools they need to be part of our economic recovery and emerge stronger and more competitive than before. Innovation is essential to making this a reality, which is why the government is working closely with producers and organizations to help them sustain and create jobs and increase production.
MP Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, today announced an investment of $120,000 to help M & M Farming Limited acquire specialized equipment to further expand the potato farming business it began last year. The company is getting French fry production equipment for its new secondary processing operation, which is expected to create two new local jobs and support four to six more seasonal jobs.
Today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to Canadian food and beverage-based businesses - helping them not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like this will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that the food sector can play a major role in Canada's economic recovery.
Quotes
"The food and beverage sector is a crucial part of Atlantic Canada's economy, supporting thousands of good jobs and creating opportunities across the region. This important investment from ACOA will help M & M Farming Limited not just survive, but thrive. Our message to the food industry is clear: we've been here for you with immediate measures, we're here for you as our economy reopens and we'll get through this, together. We're working with you to support good, local jobs and help Atlantic Canada's economy come back strong."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"This has been an exceptionally challenging year for small businesses in rural communities across the country, and that is why our government is committed to helping local companies develop value-added products, upgrade their operations with new technology and grow their companies. M & M Farming Limited is an important part of the business community as it contributes to a more diversified economy, creates local jobs and helps to improve food security in our province."
- Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
"M & M Farming Company Limited is doing its part to enhance food safety and security for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, in conjunction with the federal and provincial governments. We are also looking forward to expanding the business and creating more meaningful long-term employment opportunities."
- Louis MacDonald, Co-owner/Director of M & M Farming Limited
Quick facts
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ACOA is providing a repayable contribution of $120,000 for this project through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
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M & M Farming Limited is contributing $120,000 towards the business expansion.
