Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de- Rouville, Quebec, January 20, 2011 – While on a visit to St.-Jean-Baptiste de Rouville today, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced a substantial repayable contribution of over $1.37 million to Vergers Paul Jodoin to enable the company to install new equipment for increasing its production capacity.

“Through the Economic Action Plan, our government delivers assistance for Quebec processors to help them remain competitive in markets,” said Minister Blackburn. “Vergers Paul Jodoin will use this large-scale investment to install new equipment increasing its production capacity and Canada’s yearly demand for apples.”

“With the Government of Canada’s support, our company has just completed an ambitious development project. By increasing our production capacity and introducing high-tech equipment, we will be able to meet increased demand for Tradition juices, on which we have built our reputation,” said Sylvain Jodoin, co-owner of Vergers Paul Jodoin Inc.

This investment will come from the AgriFlexibility Fund as part of the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year initiative involving up to $50 million, designed to enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s food-processing industry. The initiative helps companies to carry out projects involving the adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to maintaining and strengthening the industry’s position in today’s international market. To find out more about this initiative, visit the website at www.agr.gc.ca/api.

Canada’ Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening of the economy and job creation. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build a stronger agriculture industry and economy in Canada. For additional information, visit the website at www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement relative to the project.

For more information, media may contact:

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

Céline Falardeau
Senior Policy Advisor
Responsible for communications
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
613-302-5511

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