The announcement took place at extractX’s head offices in Welland, ON.

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector play an important role in the fight against climate change. Through research, development, and adoption of clean technologies, the sector is finding innovative ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency, promoting sustainable and clean growth that helps meet Canada’s climate change goals.

This funding helped extractX complete the final stages of research and development for its proprietary, fully automated extraction technology. The company’s process uses ethanol, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to other processes widely used in the industry. As a mobile unit, extractX is able to bring environmentally efficient processing facilities to producers across Canada and around the world.

The project is funded through the original Agricultural Clean Technology Program, a $25-million, three-year (2018-2021) investment to support research, development, and adoption of clean technologies.

The Government of Canada recently launched the new $165.7-million Agricultural Clean Technology Program, which provides farmers and agri-businesses with access to funding to help develop and adopt the latest clean technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance their competitiveness.

“In the face of the new climate reality, we must double down on our efforts, particularly by speeding up the adoption of more environmentally-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies to further reduce our emissions and be leaders in sustainable agriculture. This is what Canadian and international consumers are asking for, and today’s announcement for extractX is a great example of how the Government of Canada is supporting these efforts,”

says Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector continue to innovate to reduce the environmental impact of its practices. By investing in clean technologies, we are contributing to a smaller carbon footprint and a better future, while supporting businesses like extractX so they can help grow the local economy and the agriculture sector as a whole,”

says Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

“Canada has an incredible international reputation for the highest standards in hemp and cannabis regulation, technological innovation, and business practices to support cultivators, processors and the pharmaceutical industry achieve efficient and more environmentally-friendly extraction. Our innovative solution builds on that reputation by providing extremely high-quality CBD and THC distillate in a small mobile footprint while reducing CO2. We’re proudly Canadian, globally focused, and grateful that the Agricultural Clean Technology program has contributed to our first step in the commercialization and distribution of our game-changing technology,”

says Albert Iannantuono, Co-CEO and CMO & Collin Stone, Co-CEO and COO of extractX.

Source: Government of Canada

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“Food producers and processors have had to deal with so many new challenges over the past months, while continuing to supply Canadians with the high-quality food they produce. Manitoba processors have stepped up to deal with those challenges, just as Canadians have never been more appreciative of the importance of our food supply chain. The funding our two governments are delivering together today gives Manitoba processors an extra financial boost to adjust to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and help keep their workers safe.”

“A COVID-19 response for the agri-food and agri-product sector is needed to ensure processors can adapt, recover and maintain competitiveness,” said Pedersen. “The pandemic has required them to make changes to their operations and enhance their employee protections. Manitoba’s food and agri-product processors are significant contributors to our economy, so we are pleased to offer a program that helps respond to these challenges.”

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The investment, made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program, will support the industry in resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products remain competitive. The funding will also help create the export and domestic opportunities to promote the “Canada Organic” brand.

The project includes activities such as attending trade shows, hosting incoming missions, participating in international trade advocacy meetings and creating a retailer training webinar series and manual.

The Government of Canada has also recently supported a review of organic standards and has provided program support to the Organic Federation of Canada to help maintain the sector’s sustainability.

“Our government supports the organic industry as it continues to create good jobs across the country for our middle class. Supporting market development for organic products will further contribute to the growth of a diverse, modern Canadian agricultural sector.”

Says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Demand for our high-quality organic products is increasing here and abroad. Our Government is pleased to help the organic farmers and processors in B.C. and across Canada capture as many of these opportunities as possible.” Claims Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East.

“This investment is dedicated to programming enhancing organic integrity, consumer and industry education, equivalency trade arrangements with organic export markets and trade advocacy on issues relevant to the success of the organic industry on the North American and international stage.” Maintains Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association.

Quick Facts

• Globally, the organic marketplace is estimated at $102.76 billion (USD), growing at a rate of 17.6% per year.

• Annual retail sales of certified organic food products in Canada is approximately $4.4 billion. Approximately 4,289 certified organic and transitional producers are working on over 930,000 hectares of land in Canada.

• Since October 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $50 million in support of the organic sector, focusing on facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies; helping organic farmers and processors take advantage of market opportunities; funding youth jobs; and, conducting research activities.

• The agriculture and agri-food sector is a key driver of Canada’s economy, and the success of the organic trade will help Canada reach the Government of Canada’s ambitious goal of increasing agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector.

• Funding for the Canada Organic Trade Association was made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program: National Industry Association (NIA) Component, a five year, up to $121 million federal initiative that aims to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada-organic.ca and www.agr.gc.ca

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