Peter L. Smith
Local Journalism Initiative

MRC Pontiac – The MRC Pontiac Economic Development Department hosted three information sessions focused on the feasibility of an agri-food processing project. The September meetings were held in Shawville, Campbell’s Bay, and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. They were chaired by Assistant Director of Economic Development David Cyr, who explained the proposed project.

Cyr told attending farmers the Agri-Saveur Pontiac project would complement the Abbatoir Pontiac facility in Shawville. “Processing is what is missing in agriculture,” he noted, asking: “Where can producers go if they wish to further develop their agricultural related products?” He gave the example of beef producers who may wish to have their product made into pepperettes or jerky. This type of facility would assist the producer to make the transformation and help with marketing, if needed. The facility would also assist produce growers in using their produce to develop sauces or other related products. The facility would include a commercial kitchen where clients could rent workspace for their projects. It would be open to the public, including Ontario producers, but with priority booking given to Pontiac residents.

The Economic Development Department is in discussion with the Pontiac Agricultural Society to establish the facility on the Shawville Fairgrounds. At the conclusion of each meeting, producers were asked to complete a survey regarding the project feasibility with questions about their food industry tenure, commercial kitchen usage, main distribution channels used to sell their products, and benefits expected as a member of Agri-Saveur Pontiac. 37 producers completed the survey.

The Economic Development Department is currently working to formalize a business and marketing plan. The projected cost of the project is over $2 million.

MRC Assistant Director for Economic Development David Cyr presents the Agri-Saveur Pontiac
project to L’Isle-aux-Allumettes farmers.