Basic HTML Version
In operation since 2008, Edmonton’s
Agri-Food Discovery Place (AFDP) is
the newest of several centres across
the Prairies. The facility has access to
17 professional staff in the University of
Alberta food science and bioresource
technology division to undertake
projects for academics and numerous
industry clients.
ne of Western Canada’s
best-kept secrets is in plain
sight at the University of Alberta
campus in Edmonton. This unassuming
building is a development centre for food
products and ingredients, including a
pilot plant, where entrepreneurs and
companies can test ideas to see if they’ll
make it in the real world.
“We completed 47 projects last year
for university academics, for Alberta
Agriculture and Rural Development staff,
and for a number of companies,” said
Bob Rimes, executive director.
Most food development centres
(FDCs) have a full-time Canadian Food
Inspection Agency inspector on staff,
allowing emerging products to be food
The Food Issue
2014
Grains
West
60
Food Revolution
Feature
O
Got a farm-grown idea for a new food? Food development centres
across Canada are helping turn entrepreneurs’ ideas into a reality
by John Dietz