Prince Edward Island Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative is accelerating recovery through investments in modernization and product diversification
October 14, 2022 · Souris, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The agriculture and agri-food sector plays a vital role in communities across Prince Edward Island and throughout Atlantic Canada. When potato wart was detected on P.E.I. in the fall of 2021, export restrictions threatened the livelihoods of more than 5,000 Islanders who work in the industry. The Government of Canada acted quickly to put measures in place to support those most severely impacted, including the Prince Edward Island Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative (PSII).
This two-year, $16 million initiative helps small and medium-sized enterprises modernize their operations to enhance productivity and diversify product lines. Investments in areas such as digitalization and automation, development of value-added products, and diversification into new and emerging markets is helping the industry respond to changing market conditions.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a combined contribution of over $4.2 million for nine businesses across P.E.I.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to working with industry to chart a path forward for the P.E.I. potato sector to ensure that producers, and the businesses that support them, are positioned for sustainable growth.
For a full list of projects, please see the backgrounder.
