PEI Potato Solutions receives government support as the company invests in the latest sorting technology

Helping Prince Edward Island farmers and producers maximize the amount of high quality potatoes that make it to market helps grow the economy while building on the province’s reputation as a world leader in potato exports.

That is why the Government of Canada is investing in innovative food safety equipment that will support small and large producers across the Island as they continue to increase and diversify product offerings for the global market.

Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), joined the Robert Henderson, PEI Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture to announce funding for RWL Holdings Ltd, a raw potato preparation operation in Travellers Rest, Prince Edward Island.

The company is receiving a repayable contribution of $375,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program to purchase and install the latest technology in food safety at its facilities, supporting its mission to strengthen the Island’s potato industry.

The Province of Prince Edward Island is also supporting the project with $30,000 under the Innovative Technologies Program. This program provides assistance to demonstrate and evaluate technology new to Prince Edward Island, designed to yield positive economic benefits to the Province.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The strategy supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its thriving agriculture industry, strong export potential, growing innovation network, and skilled workforce.

Austin Roberts, RWL Holdings Ltd:

“RWL is excited to be the first location in Canada to have the ability to screen potatoes for foreign material with their peelings on through chemical imaging.”

“This world class chemical imaging uses the highest level of resolution to remove defective product such as wet rot, dry rot, sun burn and scab. This advancement is significant in protecting PEI’s processing crop to market and places PEI as one of the world leaders in food safety and quality in potato production.”

“We are proud to be able to make this service accessible and affordable to all growers on PEI and thank all levels of government in assisting us in this transformative acquisition.”

Robert Henderson, PEI Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture:

“As Canada's Food Island, it is essential for Prince Edward Island to lead the way in new and advanced farming practices and Islanders have proven to do so with our Innovative Technologies Program.”

“We encourage fresh ideas and diversity in agriculture and are very pleased to support RWL Holdings as they modernize our province's potato industry.”

Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque:

“Canada is recognized as a global leader in food safety and security. In PEI, I am impressed to see farmers and producers who are willing to adapt with new, innovative approaches to the traditional industries they know so well.”

“This latest addition to the services at RWL Holdings will go far in supporting and growing rural-based business in PEI.”