Paul Martin commentary
Saskatchewan agriculture continued on its journey to greater diversification and the pursuit of deeper supply chain with the announcement that the Cargill canola crush plant just outside Regina is now operational.
For farmers, this is another market willing to bid for its oilseeds. For Saskatchewan, it is a milepost on the road to turning locally-grown crops into value-added products, complementing the company’s facility at Clavet and one in Alberta.
The concept of converting locally-produced crops into refined or enhanced products has long been on the provincial economic wish list.
There are many chapters of individuals and farm groups trying to develop products such as pasta but the canola crush story has been the most successful so far. Yorkton, for example, has become a key center for the sector. Regina is just the latest facility added to the list.
Not every plant has made it from the concept stage to reality but it is now clear that this industry segment has considerable heft backed by some of the biggest names in the business, broadening Saskatchewan’s position in global agriculture.
