Saskatchewan’s premier is visiting value-added food processing facilities over the next few weeks as part of what the government is calling a Saskatchewan Ingredients Tour.
Brad Wall stopped at flaxseed processor CanMar Grain Products and flour miller NutraSun Foods, both in Regina, to kick off the tour.
Shanghai Disneyland uses Saskatchewan flax in cookies sold at the amusement park, and Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners, uses hot dogs from Harvest Meats of Yorkton.
The province’s pea and lentil exports end up on plates throughout India.
Wall said the food processing sector is growing and should be celebrated.
“There are now more than 300 food companies operating in the province that generate more than $4 billion in revenues and employ about 5,000 people,” he said in a news release. “Their tremendous success demonstrates that Saskatchewan’s economy is stronger, more durable and more diversified than ever.”
The premier said smaller companies such as CanMar, which employs 34, and NutraSun, which employs 26 people, have helped the province double its exports over the last 10 years.
karen.briere@producer.com