Grainswest - Fall 2025

Fall 2025 grainswest.com 13 BY EMILY R. JOHNSON • PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF WESTLOCK Asia, are often surprised as many western jurisdictions take a substantial amount of time to move projects forward.” Of course, such growth poses challeng- es. Water is a big concern for new and expanding food processors. “Processing food is highly water intensive, and we’re in a pretty serious drought cycle,” said Dufresne. “But irrigation expansion is underway. Reservoirs are being upgrad- ed, and we’re working closely with the government to ensure we have the water available to attract global companies and meet demand.” To be completed by 2028, the St. Mary River Irrigation District Chin Reservoir Expansion Project will expand irrigation by 400,000 acres and allow growth of additional high-value crops. Additional infrastructure work includes transport projects. To improve shipping times and access to export hubs, the Province has twinned Highway 3 through the corridor. “Global processors need reliable transportation infrastruc- ture, especially rail,” said Dufresne. “They need assurance their products can move seamlessly throughout Canada, to ports and border crossings.” About 90 per cent of products pro- cessed in Alberta are exported to the U.S. It’s both a strength and vulnerability, this necessitates diversification. “We’re now being much more intentional about ex- ploring other markets,” added Dufresne. NORTHERN AMBITIONS In the north, the Westlock Economic Region (WER) also works hard to attract agri-food investment. “We started from scratch with no clear strategy, no defined target, just the understanding agricul- ture is our core strength,” said Murtaza Jamaly. A town councillor for Westlock, he helped launch the initiative. The WER is a collaboration between the Town of Westlock, County of Westlock and the Village of Clyde. With agricul- ture identified as the region’s best path forward, the group built a plan to raise its profile and attract investment. “If we’re serious about economic development, we need to do it collectively,” said Jamaly. The region has launched several initiatives, including the Port of West- lock project, which aims to improve rail access and logistics infrastructure. It has welcomed new value-added processing operations such as Milwest Distillery and Spirits. “There are real cost savings when you can grow, process and move product all in one region,” said Jamaly. “Dairy, grain and honey are commodities grown and produced in our backyard.” The region’s geography is also a plus. Located at the crossroads of two major highways, Westlock offers strong con- nections to domestic and international markets. It also has access to ample power, water, gas and fibre optic infra- structure. “We’re well situated compared to many communities who may not be as export-ready,” said Jamaly. WER representatives attend trade- shows to create investor awareness. “So, when an investor is looking for that next spot, they know we are open for business and ready to accept that investment,” said Jamaly. Additionally, he said the aim is to build long-term momentum. “This becomes the catalyst for all kinds of economic development in the area. We’re laying the groundwork for what this re- gion will look like in 10, 20, 30 years. “We believe investment will follow where it makes the most sense,” he said. “In a place that’s as far west and as close to tidewater as you can go while being in an agriculturally rich area.” THE BIG PICTURE Regional efforts such as CPFC and WER are key pieces of the Province’s broader economic diversification plan. “In the last five years, Alberta has attracted $28 billion in investment and created more than 36,000 new jobs—none of them in oil and gas—which highlights the diversi- fication of the Alberta economy hap- pening in real time,” said Christiaanse. “Agri-food is a big part of that shift.” The Province is backing this vision with infrastructure and programs such as the Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and agri-food hubs such as the Alberta Food Centre in Leduc. The facility helps companies scale up, commercialize new products and improve existing ones. “Leduc is one of 22 research and inno- vation facilities across Alberta helping agricultural processors move forward,” said Christiaanse. “It’s moving technology and production in new directions while connecting with the academic sector for innovation and tapping into Alberta’s deep agricultural expertise.” Food and beverage processing is Can- ada’s largest manufacturing sector and growing quickly. Expansion of local food processing presents opportunities for farmers to supply specialty markets and even create partnerships for on-farm tri- als and collaborations. Such new invest- ment boosts employment, infrastructure and economic activity in rural Alberta. “Innovation in agri-food is an impor- tant part of the evolution and diversifica- tion of our economy,” said Christiaanse. “This core sector … supports the resil- ience of this province and will always be important to our continued success.” It requires consistent funding and long-term vision. Newman said short- term grants make it difficult to retain skilled staff or plan with confidence. “It’s hard to attract people when you can’t promise you’ll still be funded next year,” he said. “We need long-term commit- ment from funders.” Such support, he emphasized, allows associations to build trust with farmers. With it, researchers and association staff can focus on projects that matter. “We’re well situated compared to many communities who may not be as export-ready.” —Murtaza Jamaly