Seed Potato Processor in Northwestern New Brunswick is Expanding

Potato growers in New Brunswick will benefit from a $242,000 investment in a Grand Falls-area business.

The provincial and federal governments are providing the joint funding for improvements to the seed potato processing and shipping operation at Les Fermes Gervais ltée in Saint-André.

The project involves the purchase of new equipment expected to more than double the productivity and efficiency of the company's operations. It includes the purchase of a potato sizer, conveyors, a rock eliminator, a roller table, a divider table, an electric forklift and a holding tank.

“Being in the business of supplying seed potatoes to processing and table potato producers in the area, our shipping window is extremely short,” said Gabriel Gervais, president of Les Fermes Gervais. “This new grading equipment will allow us to provide better quality seed at the time the growers need it. Most importantly, it will allow us to welcome new business.”

New Brunswick’s Labour Minister Danny Soucy said, “Our investment will enable Les Fermes Gervais to continue growing and creating jobs in the region.”

The New Brunswick government is investing $110,000 into the project while the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is providing a repayable investment of $132,000 through its Business Development Program.

PHOTO (from left): Gabriel Gervais, president and owner of Les Fermes Gervais ltée; Tobique-Mactaquac MP Mike Allen; New Brunswick Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy; and Saint-André Mayor Allain Desjardins.