A provincial government-run food research and processing centre south of Edmonton is celebrating a $5.5-million boost to expand and add new processing equipment.
The Alberta Food Processing Development Centre in Leduc has launched more than 750 food and pharmaceutical products in its 18-year history, including “value-added” food items that offer enhanced nutrition in everyday foods.
The centre also boasts test kitchens and a consumer products testing centre with a database of about 700 people.
The cash will go towards helping ensure Alberta’s agriculture industry reaches its goal of $20 billion in value-added production and $10 billion in primary production by 2010.
“Constructing a $4-million addition and adding $1.5 million in new processing equipment will give centre clients even more access to modern, cost-efficient technology and scientific research development,” Shirley McClellan, deputy premier and minister of agriculture, food and rural development, said in a statement.
The centre was built in 1984 by the Alberta government with funds from the Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Operated by Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, it employs 14 food scientists and five food technologists, plus support staff.
