By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday August 12, 2020

Aug 12, 2020 | 10:06 AM

The federal government is rolling out $18 million for projects to strengthen Canada’s food supply chain.

The funds are going everywhere from an Alberta company focusing on plant-based proteins to distilleries in Quebec seeking to upgrade their equipment.

Some money is also being directed to small towns in Northern Ontario to hire staff and interns to help on agriculture-related work.

Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid said the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty for many food-related businesses.

He said the government intends the funds to help them weather the pandemic and be well-positioned for future business.

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The Liberals have been under sustained pressure from farmers and food producers to do more to address the issues the COVID-19 pandemic has created for the sector.

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Maple Leaf Foods said a total of 26 workers at its Brandon pork plant have now tested positive for COVID-19.

They are among a cluster of at least 64 active cases in the west Manitoba city.

Public health officials and the company said the plant has passed third-party inspections and there is no evidence of spread in the workplace.

The company said it has taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including requiring employees to wear face coverage during the commute to and from work, including in carpools, and in all areas of the plant.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@AliceMcF