Opinion: Regina economy ripe for more food processing

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Regina is an ideally located for processing facilities. We have good east, west and south transportation links, with the CN/AGT Chuka Creek intermodal port, the CP-supported Global Transportation Hub and the Regina bypass.

Moreover, Regina is a source of agri-food innovation. AGT Foods’ high-value ingredients are being used in products like Beyond Meat. Precision AI, a company that grew out of the Conexus tech incubator, has just begun a $26-million program to develop drones that apply crop nutrients and crop protection. This technology has the potential to save farmers over $50 per seeded acre. DOT technologies, another Regina innovator, is a world leader in fully autonomous farm equipment.

EDR’s food processing strategy dovetails with Saskatchewan’s 2030 Plan for Growth, which calls for the province to double value-added food processing revenue in just over 10 years.

Another growth plan goal — a $4-billion project to greatly increase the amount of irrigable land in the province — will help provide the infrastructure to cope with climate change related weather extremes. This project will also help stabilize and diversify crop yields and protect land from flooding.

EDR’s food hub strategy doesn’t end at the city limits. We will not be successful unless we demonstrate that our strengths extend throughout Saskatchewan. Regina’s opportunities are equally important to neighbouring cities such as Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Swift Current and Yorkton.