The federal government’s AgriProcessing Initiative recently provided support to three Langley companies: Freybe Gourmet Foods, Made-Rite Meat Products, and Sugarplum Desserts.

Freybe Gourmet Foods received $1,900,000 to purchase and install new high pressure food processing equipment.

Made-Rite Meat Products received $376,770 for a new machine to automate the packaging of beef jerky.

Sugarplum Desserts received $94,500 for a specialized ingredient mixer for various flavoured cake icings/frostings and butter-creams.

The repayable contributions are provided by the Agricultural Flexibility Fund through the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year, up to $50-million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the food processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes.

Langley MP Mark Warawa congratulated the three local companies on improving their business with the held of $2 million from the federal government.

"This funding enhances the sector's competitiveness, helps companies increase production, creates new jobs for local communities, and creates more demand for high quality Canadian agricultural products," said Warawa.

Freybe Gourmet Foods specializes in the production of more than 120 varieties of sausages, ham, and specialty deli meats. It employs more than 250 people, serving customers across North America.

Made-Rite Meat Products is in the business of processing, packaging, and selling beef jerky.

Sugarplum Desserts bakes cheesecake, layered cakes, and cookies for the retail and food service markets.