Table de concertation agroalimentaire de l'Outaouais Receives Government of Canada Funding

MONTEBELLO, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 16, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces the awarding of $145,000 in non-repayable funding to the agri-food issue table, Table de concertation agroalimentaire de l'Outaouais.

"The Government of Canada supports projects aimed at making Outaouais agri-food products and enterprises better known and at reinforcing their position in the National Capital Region market," said Minister Lebel.

To properly fulfill its mandate, the issue table has developed a detailed strategic plan to support a variety of initiatives and activities. These include, notably, the Foire Gourmande Outaouais-Est ontarien culinary fair, to be held on August 28, 2011, in Montebello and in Lefaivre, the Parcours Outaouais Gourmet, and Savourez Ottawa as well as various activities promoting regional products and their tastings. The comprehensive marketing plan also provides for the creation of a variety of promotional items.

"The goal of the Table remains to increase consumption of regional products and to maintain and create enterprises and jobs in the agri-food sector," said Mr. Lebel.

Agri-food processing is a promising growth sector for the Outaouais region, as are high technology, tourism and the transformation of wood into value-added products. By concentrating its development efforts in these sectors, Canada Economic Development is helping to support the region's economy.

The contribution from Canada Economic Development has been awarded through the Community Diversification program.

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