SASKATOON – The federal government is increasing the amount of money it gives the POS pilot plant.
Funding for the Protein Oil and Starch plant will increase from $1.9 million this year to $2.5 million in 1995-96 and $2.6 million in 1996-97.
“It is the cutting edge of research for the private industry,” said federal agriculture minister Ralph Goodale when he announced the funding at the plant at the University of Saskatchewan.
The plant is a non-profit organization that helps small and medium-sized industries commercialize their products.
It’s estimated every dollar invested at POS generates an additional $6 to $8 of economic growth.
POS president Roy Carr said the money will be used for buying new equipment to help the 87 scientists and technicians develop innovative products. The clients will have access to “leading edge technology,” said Carr.
Since its beginning in 1977, POS has worked with industry to develop the first industrial production processes to crush and purify canola oil. POS also developed processes to separate oats into different components now being used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
