Investments in Alberta’s agriculture industry creating thousands of jobs – SteinbachOnline.com
Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson has a lot on his plate in the upcoming year.
He says they want to make sure that every year, efforts are being made to continuously strengthen the agriculture industry.
“Agriculture presents one of the greatest opportunities to be able to diversify our economy here in Alberta,” he said. “We’ve seen that through our Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, over $3 billion of investment last year. A lot of great investments that are happening all across the province that are creating jobs and really providing more opportunity for our farmers and our ranchers. Of course, making sure that we strengthen our Business Risk Management programs. We understand how essential those are as a key risk mitigation for farmers and ranchers when they see adverse conditions during the year.”
Sigurdson notes strengthening infrastructure for farmers and ranchers, specifically irrigation districts, is also important.
“That’s why our government has put a lot of money towards both the irrigation revitalization program, the $933 million to the Irrigation Modernization Program and then as well last year, five million dollars to be able to look at feasibility studies for larger reservoirs that can expand and allow us to irrigate.”
The 2026 review of CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) will also be top of mind for the agriculture industry over the coming year.
“We’ve seen the positive impact of CUSMA and how free-flowing trade with agriculture has really allowed the expansion and investment in agri-processing and has strengthened food security both in the Canada, US and in Mexico. I was the Canadian delegation lead at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord this year in Arlington, VA and we had a lot of conversations surrounding the upcoming review of CUSMA.”
Sigurdson says with the massive amount of investment coming into the province, it’s creating thousands of jobs locally. He cited examples such as the Little Potato Company, Dairy Innovation West, the JBS beef patty production line, P & H Milling’s $241 million flour mill in Red Deer, and a $720 million renewable biodiesel facility in Strathcona County.
“We’re seeing such great investment come to the province that’s creating thousands of jobs but also diversifying our economy and providing a lot of additional opportunities for farmers and ranchers that I’m very excited to continue to work within our department working with our AgriInvest team and the premier’s office to continue to see that type of investment coming to Alberta,” he commented.
