Federal Government Invests $600,000 Into New PEI Potato Markets

PEI Potato farmers welcome the much needed investment

The potato sector in PEI is a significant economic driver for the province, providing good jobs in rural and urban communities. Ensuring access to innovative quality control and safety measures is essential to helping potato producers compete in global markets. 

That is why the Government of Canada is investing to help RWL Holdings Ltd. increase its potato washing capacity and help the industry find new markets. 

Meeting demand in new markets

Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced an investment of $600,000 for RWL Holdings Ltd. for the purchase and installation of new equipment. 

Funding was announced on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

RWL has partnered with a Canadian supplier of frozen potato products to help find new markets for PEI potatoes. The equipment upgrades include a water recirculation system that will help meet the increased demand.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to support potato producers and agri-food businesses in PEI. Immediate and long-term investments will support recovery and employment in the industry and help create new opportunities.

“The Government of Canada is supporting PEI potato farmers and processors by investing in industrial technology to increase productivity and distribution capacity. This timely investment will accelerate expansion into new domestic markets as the industry responds to the current challenges facing the sector.” 
– The Honourable  Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for  ACOA

“The funding from the Government of Canada will allow RWL Holdings Ltd. to increase the amount of Prince Edward Island’s excellent potatoes that can be processed throughout Canada and then distributed without constraints to international markets. Island producers can be assured that we are continuing to work hard to reopen the important fresh potato market to trade with the U.S.”
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

“Businesses and workers in communities across the Island depend on a thriving potato industry. I’m pleased to announce this further commitment by our government to support the dedicated and passionate work of everyone looking to advance the sector.”
– Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

“A key benefit to this investment in our operations is the enhancement of our water recycling and purification process. The new equipment, including the upgraded washing capacity, will help us meet increased demand as we help producers enter new markets.”
– Austin Roberts, Co-Owner, RWL Holdings Ltd.

The Government of Canada is providing a repayable $600,000 investment through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

RWL Holdings Ltd. is a value-added potato preparation company that offers services to local producers including cleaning, drying, grading and load optimization. The company is a partnership owned by Kinkora Holdings Inc., Valley Grove Enterprises Ltd. and Hilltop Produce Ltd. The potato sector in Prince Edward Island contributes over $1.3 billion to the Island’s economy and supports more than 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs.