Local agricultural producer VDB Grains is receiving funding that will help the Mitchell company move from diesel fuel to solar cell technology.
The $70,000 infusion through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program will help the company reduce energy needs and operating costs.
A further $781,000 is being provided to eight local agricultural producers through the province’s Food Security and Supply Chain Fund (FSSCF).
“Our government understands the importance of working with our agricultural producers,” MPP Matthew Rae said in a media release. “We will continue to make investments that increase efficiency and make it cheaper for our farm families to put food on the kitchen tables of Ontarians.”
Steve Feeney, CFO of VDB Grains, said the funding will help the company invest in solar modules that will support 95 per cent of its energy needs, significantly reducing emissions.
"This investment in renewable energy production enhances VDB Grain's ability to grow and future our business.”
Thirty food processors across Ontario will be supported by the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative to help lower costs and be more competitive and sustainable, the media release stated. The Initiative focused on supporting projects that prioritized reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in new technology, equipment, or facility modifications. This funding will contribute to an anticipated $3 million in annual operational cost savings for recipient businesses.
The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative was developed after discussions with Ontario’s food processing sector. It is part of a series of initiatives the government has implemented to support food processing in Ontario including committing up to $25 million through the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, with applications that opened on Feb. 15.
Other local companies receiving funding include: Melady Acres Ltd., V.D.B Grains Ltd., Vanmeurs Farm Ltd., Daneholm Holsteins Ltd., Farm Fresh Poultry Ltd. (all $125,000); HMHJ Farms Ltd. ($3,000), Drummond Crop Inc. ($123,000) and Harriston Packing Company ($30,000).
