By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday September 8, 2020

Sep 8, 2020 | 10:03 AM

The federal government is providing cash for food processors to help them deal with the fallout of COVID-19.

A $77-million Emergency Processing Fund was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early May. It’s to help food processors adapt to COVID-19 protocols, including protective equipment for workers.

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said $10.5 million of the funding has so far been allocated for 32 projects across the country.

They include projects at Olymel, JBS Foods, Maple Leaf Foods, and Sofina Foods.

Cargill, which operates a major beef processing plant at High River, Alta., is not on the initial projects list.

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Bibeau said more announcements are coming with the remaining funds to be allocated by the end of the month.

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Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is giving $1.5 million through its FCC AgriSpirit Fund to 92 community groups across Canada to support rural capital projects.

FCC executive vice-president and chief operating officer Sophie Perrault said the AgriSpirit Fund supports rural communities at the heart of Canadian agriculture.

“We are honoured to support the projects that help keep these communities as vibrant hubs for rural Canadians,” she said in a news release.

Between $5,000 and $25,000 was given to projects that included capital expenditures on equipment purchase and installation, energy efficient building improvements and repairs, and the purchase of rescue and fire equipment.

Over the past 17 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported 1,356 projects, an investment of $16.5 million.

The next application period opens March 1, 2021.

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Another convention and trade show has been postponed.

The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) said after discussion and consideration of all options, the board made the difficult decision to not go ahead.

AMC said while it was not an easy decision the well-being of its members comes first.

A virtual trade show was considered but feedback from the membership indicated the preference would be to wait for a time when they can safely gather.

An in-person event in 2021 will be held when AMC will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF