CANADA – Cargill’s new canola processing facility in West Regina, Saskatchewan, has reached a significant milestone, with construction now surpassing 50% completion.
Announced by Cargill on July 16, 2024, the facility will open in 2025 and will produce crude canola oil for food, biofuel markets, and canola meal for animal feed.
The facility’s construction began in July 2022 and represents a US$350 million investment. While initially slated for completion in 2024, the project has faced various challenges in the current construction environment.
Nevertheless, progress thus far highlights Cargill’s commitment to expanding its network and enhancing the Canadian canola industry’s connection to domestic and global markets.
Jeff Vassart, president of Cargill Canada, emphasized the facility’s importance, stating, “The addition of the Regina facility to the Cargill network will play a critical role in connecting the Canadian canola industry to the expanding domestic and global market opportunities for vegetable oil, high-quality meal, and biofuels. Despite the unique challenges faced since breaking ground, we are dedicated to becoming a best-in-class option for canola growers in the region and contributing to decarbonizing the global food and fuel supply chain.”
In a move to bolster the infrastructure surrounding the plant, Cargill recently acquired over 400 acres near the Global Transportation Hub. This purchase aims to enhance rail and road connectivity, facilitating efficient access to meal pellets and canola oil destination markets.
Additionally, the acquired land will allow for the flexibility of bringing canola seed to Regina when needed, creating new opportunities for farmers in western Canada.
The new facility will have an annual production capacity of 1 million tonnes and will support the growing global demand for canola products.
“We see strong potential in the growth and competitiveness of the canola processing industry and look forward to helping farmers across Saskatchewan access the increasing market demand,” Jeff Vassart, the President of Cargill Canada, commented during the facility’s groundbreaking in 2022.
Additionally, the facility will be Cargill’s second canola processing plant in Saskatchewan and its third in western Canada. Cargill Canada, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, employs more than 8,000 people nationwide, underscoring its significant presence and impact within the Canadian agricultural sector.
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