Government of Canada Invests in New Robotic Technology for Quebec Potato Processing

SAINT-UBALDE, QC, April 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's food processing industry is an important driver of economic growth, producing a wide range of healthy, high-quality foods for consumers at home and around the world. Supporting the growth of the food processing sector, with sales of $114 billion and reaching over $35 billion in export sales each year, remains a key priority for the Government of Canada.

Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, today visited Patates Dolbec's potato packaging facility in Saint-Ubalde which has just completed an expansion and modernization project. This project, supported with a federal government investment of up to $4.5 million, includes the purchase and installation of new robotic equipment that will sort, grade, and pack more fresh potatoes in less time, enabling the company to improve their product quality, lower operational costs and develop new markets in the United States.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the food processing sector, helping to grow the economy and create well-paying jobs for middle class families. Investing in innovation will enable Patates Dolbec to grow sales and demand for Quebec-grown potatoes all around the world, helping to build a strong and prosperous agriculture and agri-food sector."
- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Our new 4.0 plant gives us superb flexibility, enhances our ability to serve our customers, allows us to track all our data in real time for better decision making and, of course, enables us to provide a stimulating, well-organized workplace."
- Josée Petitclerc, Director, Marketing and Continuous Improvement, Patates Dolbec

Quick facts

• In 2017, the Quebec food processing industry had sales of $26.1 billion and generated $6.9 billion in export value.
• Patates Dolbec is a family business created in 1967, based in Saint-Ubalde, Quebec, specializing in potato packaging, with over 125 employees.
• This investment was made under the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovation Program, a five-year initiative that ended on March 31, 2018.
• Similar projects will be supported under the AgriInnovate Program, a five-year (2018-2023), up to $128 million initiative under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership that aims to accelerate commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriInnovate Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Patates Dolbec

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada