Buffalo Creek Mills in Altona will be doubling its capacity for oat-flaking and production thanks to a funding partnership of the federal and provincial government.
It is one of 19 food processors in Manitoba approved for funding for things like equipment upgrades, facility expansions, and new technologies that will improve efficiency, production capacity, and environmental performance.
The two levels of government are investing more than $6 million to help grow the economy by increasing food production facilities and supporting jobs across Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
“We’ve been very, very pleased with the involvement of both federal and provincial and local governments to assist us and the industry over the years … they have been wonderful partners,” said Buffalo Creek Mills CEO Ryan Penner. “I think the funding amount is probably in the order of about $150,000 of potential benefit.”
“Buffalo Creek Mills is aggressively working to increase our production capability of ready-to-eat products, and so this funding will assist us in solving that new equipment required to put that capacity in place,” he explained. “We’re very excited to receive that, and I think we are also excited to bring that additional level of production and to connect with the local producers to bring more product to market.
“Over the last three years, we’ve entered a new market which is the human edible market. Before, we were more focused on pet food and feed … so having that change with this new market to open that up further is exciting.”
Penner emphasized they are fully committed to building strong relationships with their oat producers, so it is exciting as well that this expansion will further support their partners.
“The more that we can bring in, the more that we can partner with and support the producers and grow the industry in southern Manitoba,” he said, noting they plan to have the expansion completed by the end of 2026. “This is a great thing that supports our growth in southern Manitoba.”
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. It includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
“When we invest in food processors, we’re helping them grow, stay competitive and ensure they can keep putting their high-quality food on tables here in Canada and around the world,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food minister Heath MacDonald. “These projects will help build a stronger, more resilient food system while supporting good jobs in the process.”
“These investments support our economy, strengthen our communities and ensure sustainable food security for generations,” noted Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “By enhancing our local food infrastructure, we help to create jobs, reduce our carbon footprint and foster a resilient food system that benefits everyone.”
