Cargill to Build Canola Crush Plant Near Camrose, Alberta

The new crush facility is projected to have the capacity to process 850,000 metric tonnes of canola per year and will serve Alberta canola farmers by providing a consistent and competitive point of delivery.

2 Oct 2012 --- Cargill has announced plans to build a canola processing facility near Camrose, Alberta. Subject to receiving all required approvals, construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014-15 canola harvest.

The new crush facility is projected to have the capacity to process 850,000 metric tonnes of canola per year and will serve Alberta canola farmers by providing a consistent and competitive point of delivery. This significant investment in Alberta will generate approximately 800,000 hours of employment throughout the construction phase. In addition, Cargill expects that 50 permanent full time positions will be created.

“We are delighted to make this announcement, enabling Cargill to offer new marketing opportunities for canola producers in Alberta. This is our second major Canadian investment in canola crushing, and demonstrates our confidence in the continued growth and competitiveness of the canola industry in this country. The facility will have the capacity to process both conventional and specialty canola seed which will enable us to significantly increase our contracting programs in the area,” said Ken Stone, commercial manager for Cargill’s Canadian canola processing business.

“This project is a tremendous opportunity for Alberta’s agriculture sector, Cargill and the Camrose area,” said Verlyn Olson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “The addition of value-added operations, such as this processing plant, helps to further diversify our agriculture sector and enhance our competitiveness and ability to meet the demands of consumers in Alberta and in the global marketplace.”

“Canola continues to be a very competitive crop for the Canadian grower and Camrose is an excellent location for value-added canola processing. In the 2012-13 growing season, canola acres in Canada were over 21 million; we see that as an indication that the industry will continue to grow driven by competitive access to a large North American livestock industry for canola protein meal and continued strong demand for canola oil. We are very excited about this new opportunity and believe it positions Cargill, the Camrose area, and the Alberta Farmer for future growth in the canola business,” added Mark Stonacek, president of Cargill’s North American grain and oilseed business.

This announcement will allow for additional economic activity in Camrose and will add to the company’s footprint in the Province. In Alberta, Cargill currently operates 21 locations and employs over 2700 people.