CANADA— Agriculture giant Cargill has broken ground on its new US$350 million canola processing facility at Regina’s Global Transportation Hub, Saskatchewan.
Many developing countries are changing their appetites by requiring more foods that use canola oil and meal. Additionally, more governments are changing their clean fuel standards, which has prompted more interest in using canola to create biodiesel. It has resulted in huge planned investments for Saskatchewan.
“The investment will enhance our agricultural sector profile by bringing welcome jobs and increased value-added production, and bolster Saskatchewan’s position of becoming a global canola crush powerhouse,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
Set to be completed by 2024, the new facility is projected to have an annual production capacity of 1 million metric tons and will support the growing global demand for canola products in the animal feed, human food and fuel markets.
The facility, similar in design to another Cargill facility in Camrose, Alta., will be the company’s second canola processing plant in Saskatchewan, the other located just southeast of Saskatoon.
The plant will create 50 full-time jobs in house once open and another five to seven jobs could be created outside the plant.
In April 2022, it announced it was moving ahead with the build, having secured 247 acres from the Global Transportation Hub (GTH), outside Regina, for US$38 million.
Vassart has previously said the location would give farmers easy access for deliveries, as well as allow the company to efficiently deliver agricultural goods to end-users.
“We see strong potential in the growth and competitiveness of the canola processing industry and look forward to helping farmers across Saskatchewan access the increasing market demand.” said Jeff Vassart, president, Cargill Canada.
In addition to Cargill, five other companies have announced they will build or expand canola crushers in the province, largely around the Regina area, including Viterra, Richardson and eres.
Further, Federated Co-operatives Ltd. is looking to build by 2027 a US$2 billion agriculture complex that features a biodiesel plant and canola crusher. The company partnered with AGT Foods on the crusher.
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