STRAFFORDVILLE, ONTARIO – The Government of Canada is helping build a new, more efficient storage barn to store harvested shallots. The investment of up to $250,000 was announced today by Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London Joe Preston, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

"Our government continues to put Farmers First by supporting projects such as this shallot storage barn expansion,” said MP Preston. "This smart investment will expand the facility, allowing the producer to store more shallots, making the business more efficient and competitive."

Schroyens will use this investment to construct a new barn to store shallots, and expand their production, which will create six new jobs. Local farmers are sub-contracted for their crops which will be stored in the new facility and sold in bulk across Canada. The cool storage facility for produce will result in additional, more efficient production. This former tobacco producer is the primary supplier to both large and small food distributors.

This capital 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.