The Calgary Stampede brings many guests from around the country to Calgary. Among these guests was the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and the Alberta of Agriculture and Forestry, Oneil Carlier.

On Wednesday at Village Brewery in Calgary, they announced the Federal and Provincial governments are providing nearly five million dollars through Growing Forward 2, to help
Calgary food processors expand capacity and improve efficiency.

MacAulay says, agri-business is a key driver in Canada's economic growth, and grants like these can help small businesses create new employment opportunities.

"Our government is proud to support these innovative projects that will support Canadian farmers and the broader supply chain through their increased production of value-added agri-food."

Carlier adds, Growing Forward 2 has invested more than 406 million dollars in Alberta's agriculture sector.

"The continued growth and success of our agriculture sector is built on its diversity. Alberta offers a wide range of high-quality products and we are helping get those goods from farm to table by supporting the growth and development of Alberta's food processors, as they create new products and new markets for their products."

Carlier will be meeting next week in Newfoundland with all the Provincial Ag Ministries and the Federal Ministry to discuss the next steps after growing forward two ends March 31, 2018.