USD750,000 Canadian Government Investment in Don Poulin Potatoes Operations Expansion

To support Don Poulin Potatoes' expansion, adoption of new technology, and scaling up capacity for growth, new partnerships, and the creation of new jobs, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for the Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, recently announced FedNor funding of USD750,000.

“I’m thrilled this investment supports the continued growth and long-term sustainability of Don Poulin Potatoes. This fifth-generation family-owned business is expanding, modernizing operations, and streamlining processes and I am proud that the Government of Canada is helping to make it happen. Food security, job creation, and a strong economy are vital to our social and economic success - this priority project delivers on all fronts,” Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, declared.

Don Poulin Potatoes was able to build a new 1,114 square meter production facility and acquire specialist machinery including an Upmatic Electronic Weigher, Upmatic Double Paper Bagger, turbo dryer, racking system, and packing line thanks to this unconstrained repayable investment. This expansion project is projected to assist this venerable local enterprise in enhancing output, productivity, and profitability, paving the way for more jobs and growth prospects. It is funded by FedNor's Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI) – Jobs and Growth Fund.

“FedNor’s support is helping us grow our family business so we can increase production and productivity, and expand our operations to accommodate the increased demand for our high-quality potatoes. We are one of the largest potato growers in Northern Ontario and this expansion project means we can take our business to the next level, hire more people and position the company for sustainable long-term success,” Dan Poulin, Owner/Operator, Don Poulin Potatoes, mentioned.

Growing more than 160 hectares of potatoes in Chelmsford, Ontario, Don Poulin Potatoes is one of the largest potato growers in the region. This family-owned and operated agri-food business specializes in potato production, packing and distribution.

The project being supported by today’s announcement is funded through the FedNor-administered Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF). JGF is a USD700m fund delivered by the regional development agencies (RDAs) to help businesses and the organizations who support them to future-proof, build resiliency, and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and create jobs. Of this support, USD70m has been dedicated to businesses and organizations created after January 2020.

The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.