Ag-West Bio Expands Food Ingredient Cluster with New Funding

Key Takeaways

• Ag-West Bio has received $350,500 in non-repayable funding through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program to support Saskatchewan’s food ingredient sector.
• The funding will enhance Prairie Food Link, a cluster supporting local food and ingredient processors, which has grown to 237 members across 166 organizations since 2021.
• Ag-West Bio will use the investment to expand cluster programming, develop an online directory for co-packing members, and conduct research to address barriers to growth.
• The initiative aims to strengthen Saskatchewan’s food ingredient industry, supporting both startups and large-scale agricultural processors.

Ag-West Bio Secures Funding to Strengthen Saskatchewan’s Food Ingredient Industry

Ag-West Bio, a Saskatchewan-based non-profit focused on advancing bio-business and agricultural innovation, has received $350,500 in non-repayable funding under the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program. The funding will enhance Prairie Food Link, Saskatchewan’s food ingredient processing cluster, by expanding resources, networking opportunities, and industry engagement.

“In these times of uncertainty, it is more relevant than ever to build local communities. Prairie Food Link has had significant success in bringing together Saskatchewan’s food and ingredients industry,” said Dr. Karen Churchill, President and CEO of Ag-West Bio. “This funding will enable the cluster to build on that success, to help grow a strong, supportive community in which our local companies can thrive.”

Since its founding in 2021, Prairie Food Link has grown to 237 members, representing 166 organizations, supporting both startups and established food processors in Saskatchewan.

Ag-West Bio Expands Prairie Food Link’s Industry Support

With the new funding, Ag-West Bio will:

• Engage cluster members and promote the food and ingredient processing sector.
• Develop and manage online connection tools to support industry collaboration.
• Create an online directory for co-packing members to facilitate business partnerships.
• Connect members to training programs and industry resources.
• Conduct research on barriers to growth in the food ingredient sector and implement strategies to address these challenges.

“The Prairie Food Link offers members an opportunity to learn and share, from new business startups to Saskatchewan’s largest added-value agricultural producers, in a non-competitive and supportive environment,” said Shannon Sears, Prairie Food Link Industry Co-Chair. “This new funding ensures the Prairie Food Link will continue to support members through access to relevant information, expertise, and mentorship in a rapidly changing world.”

Ag-West Bio’s Role in Supporting Food Innovation in Saskatchewan

As Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association, Ag-West Bio plays a crucial role in moving research to market and fostering business growth. The organization’s efforts in agriculture, food ingredients, and biotechnology contribute to:

• Strengthening value-added food production.
• Expanding export opportunities for Saskatchewan-based processors.
• Enhancing industry collaboration through networking events and mentorship programs.

The expansion of Prairie Food Link under the organization’s leadership will provide food processors with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to navigate industry challenges and expand both locally and globally.