Two agri-food businesses get boost from fund

LEAMINGTON — Two area agrifood businesses were part of a six million dollar contribution from the federal government recently.

Lakeside Produce of Leamington and Under Sun Acres of Staples, were both recipients of the Southwestern Ontario Emergency Processing Fund Bundle, which saw 31 agri-food companies across Ontario receive funds.

Both local companies used the funds to add to their already stellar COVID-19 protection policies.

Irek Kusmierczyk, MP for Windsor-Tecumseh, made the announcement, along with Neil Ellis, MP for the Bay of Quinte.

“We are proud to support our local food processors,” said Kusmierczyk. Ellis agreed with the local MP. “The pandemic shone a light on the food industry,” he said. “These producers are vital for our economy. Over the past year, they’ve shown incredible resilience.”

Under Sun Acres General Manager, Lucas Semple, explained that their Staples farm is a 48-acre bell pepper operation, where they grow about 62 million kg of red, yellow and orange peppers each year.

“Through the Processing Fund, we were able to erect a security entrance, where we sanitize everyone entering, including a show washer,” he said. “This gives us great confidence that no outside virus or disease is entering our facility.”

Over at Lakeside Produce, Chief Operating Officer, Sudeshna Nambiar was thankful to Agri-Food Canada for the investment they’ve made in the operation.

“The support we received has made all the difference in our fight against COVID-19,” she said. “Our workers are our people and we want to take every precaution to keep them safe.”