Value-Added Agriculture

Fort Saskatchewan is an ideal location for value-added agriculture, food processing, and agri-food manufacturing. Agricultural products are enhanced through processing, packaging, and marketing to create higher-value products. The region, located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, supports diverse crops like wheat, barley, canola, oats, yellow peas, and flax. With over 40 companies investing more than $50 billion across multiple sectors, Fort Saskatchewan offers businesses a thriving industrial ecosystem.

As Alberta continues to be a global leader in agricultural production, Fort Saskatchewan’s prime location near rich farmlands, combined with its strategic transportation networks and business-friendly environment, makes it a leading centre for plant protein production, grain and pulse process, and value-added food manufacturing.

Key Statistics & Infrastructure

Why Fort Saskatchewan?

• Diverse, Abundant Feedstock: Proximity to Alberta’s agricultural base offers access to a variety of high-quality crops, including wheat, barley, canola, oats, peas, flax, and pulses, ensuring a consistent and affordable supply for value-added processing.
• Strategic Transportation: Transload yards, terminals, and CN/CPKC rail networks offer seamless transport across North America, with global export access via hubs like the Port of Prince Rupert.
• Proven Industrial Base: Fort Saskatchewan’s established industrial cluster of over 40 companies allows for collaboration, innovation, and access to a strong supply chain network, reducing operational costs and making businesses more efficient.
• Access to Skilled Workforce: Fort Saskatchewan offers a skilled and specialized talent pool from nearby universities and technical institutes, supporting growth and innovation in the value-added agriculture sector.

Incentives & Support Programs

Fort Saskatchewan provides comprehensive support through municipal, provincial, and federal programs.

Municipal Incentives

• Value-Added Agriculture Tax Incentive

Provincial Programs

• Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program
• Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit

Transportation & Logistics

Fort Saskatchewan is connected to the rest of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and the capital region by exceptionally efficient transportation and logistics, including:

• Highway Access: Convenient locations on Highways 15 and 21, offering direct routes to Edmonton and other key markets.
• Rail Networks: Integrated CN and CPKC connections for efficient freight transport.
• Export Routes: Proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert, which is 500 nautical miles closer to Asia than other Pacific Northwest ports and can ship to Asia in 11 days.
• Air Access: Expedited access to global markets via Edmonton International Airport.

Downloadable Resources