SIMCOE, ONTARIO – The Government of Canada is investing $88,500 to help apple growers become more competitive in the open market by increasing their efficiency. The announcement was made today by the Member of Parliament Joe Preston (Elgin-Middlesex-London) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

“Our Government is making targeted investments that will help keep our communities strong and businesses competitive,” said MP Preston. “This investment will make the apple sorting process more efficient, lower operating costs and encourage growers including many growers from Elgin County,  who are looking for alternative crop options to enter this tremendous industry.”

The Norfolk Fruit Grower’s Association (NFGA), a cooperative that started in the 1900’s, packs fresh apples for the retail market on behalf of its member owners who are local apple growers. Removing defects from the apples to meet customer standards is one of the major costs within both the orchard and packing facility. NFGA will use the investment to train its current 61 employees on a new, innovative packing line that will allow for less manual sorting of the fruit. This will reduce labour costs and increase efficiency and the capacity of automated equipment. All of these benefits will help the large apple packing facility to not only become more competitive in the international apple market, but also increase returns to their growers.

This investment is being provided through the Sand Plains Community Development Fund administered by the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations. The fund targets community-based initiatives that support regional development, attract and retain people and investment, and stimulate business development and job creation.

For more information on the Sand Plains Community Development Fund, please visit www.ontcfdc.com or www.sandplains.ca.