Growing opportunities in Northwest Alberta
The REDI Region offers exceptional agricultural economic potential due to extended summer daylight hours. Northwest Alberta agriculture accounts for a large part of the
local economy.
Farmers in the REDI region are known to grow grains with higher weight and protein levels and grow oil seeds with higher omega content than jurisdictions further south. Seed grown here are also known to be larger than seed grown elsewhere, and in fact, Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA) data for the thousand kernel weight are best in class.
Agriculture was one of the main drivers in building Northwest Alberta into what it is today. Agriculture remains a crucial part of the REDI Region economy, sharing a symbiotic relationship with our forestry and energy sectors. In Northwest Alberta, we’re proud of our agricultural roots: farming and ranching are part of who we are.
Business Case for a Pea Processing Plant
Value-added pea protein investment opportunity.
REDI investigates the processing technology required, and undertake the conceptual design of the site and facilities, and provide preliminary capital cost estimating for investment.
The REDI Region’s 610 farms:
• Cover nearly 220,000 hectares (539,000 acres)
• Support many indirect businesses within our communities
2017: Canola produced in AB NW is transported out of the region by rail; 94% of the volume produced was delivered to a grain terminal within the NW region
REDI Region is one of the most concentrated sourcing regions for organic oats in all of North America.
Organic Farming
- 2018: REDI Region has the highest number of organic farmers (2018); more than half of the province’s organic producers live in the county.
- 2018: 272 reported organic farming operations in Mackenzie County
- 2018: REDI region saw an increase of 44 organic producers between 2017 and 2018, accounting for 57% of the total increase of organic operators in Alberta in that year.
Local value-added and agricultural service businesses:
- Value Added Oat Processing Plant – Business Case Available
- Value Added Pea Protein Processing Plant Business Case
- Hemp Decortication – Hemp Train™ Opportunity
- Feed mills & Seed cleaning co-ops
- New 2021 Richardson Pioneer 32,000 Metric Tonne Grain Elevator (most northerly Canadian grain elevator is in High Level)
- Farm suppliers: Bluewave, UFA, Richardson Pioneer, Prairie Coast, Kaboda Farm & Ranch, Alberta Farm Supply, AFSC, FCC
Diverse Agricultural Yield
Our local farmers and ranchers develop a variety of crops and livestock across REDI Region. Some of our notable agricultural products include:
Continuing Research and Innovation
The Mackenzie Applied Research Association [MARA] is a not-for-profit, producer-driven applied research association. MARA conducts agriculture and environmental research from its Fort Vermilion, Alberta location. MARA focuses on finding innovative agricultural opportunities and solutions suitable for the specific needs of Northwest Alberta growers.
The central aims of MARA are to:
- Conduct relevant crop, livestock and environmental research and demonstration trials.
- Develop nutrient strategies and innovative means to manage soils and lands to enhance production while protecting the environment.
- Deliver relevant extension services to producers with the ultimate aim of reducing production costs, improving crop and livestock marketing while enhancing greater environmental sustainability.
For more information on MARA and their research, please see the MARA website.
More Information: www.mackenzieagriculture.com
Mackenzie Agriculture is a new agricultural investment initiative for the Mackenzie region.
The Mackenzie region has a contributing agricultural base of about 750,000 acres (303,500 hectares) with some of the most sought-after commodities in western Canada and the USA. Our cereals and pulses have higher protein, grains have heavier weight, and oilseeds have higher omega content than those produced elsewhere. Hemp produced in the Mackenzie region contains upwards of 30% more fibre per acre than southern grown hemp. The Mackenzie region is also home to nearly 50% of all of Alberta’s organic farmers.
Mackenzie County is located in the northwest corner of Alberta and fosters the diverse farming communities of Fort Vermilion, High Level, and La Crete, which provide a young and growing workforce. Although the area is often overlooked as a significant agricultural region due to its northern locale, the Mackenzie region produces many high quality field crops. The region is well serviced by rail and a robust trucking industry, ensuring that transportation of goods to market is safe, efficient and reliable.
REPORTS
Comprehensive data and information on our agricultural industry.
Agriculture Industry Snapshot
An overview of agricultural industry here in the REDI Region. Great as a quick reference, with all the relevant details.
Business Case for a Pea Processing Facility
- Report Summary
Feasibility study to establish interest and an understanding of the pea processing industry.
$28 Million Pea Processing Facility Proposed
Two page advertisement based on the feasibility study, produced by REDI, to promote the development of a pea processing facility in the region.
Hemp Alberta Northern Advantage (HANA) Business Plan
Assessing the opportunity, marketing, operating and financial plans for the establishment of hemp decortication plants on different site locations across northern Alberta.
Northwest Alberta Commodities
What are the products? How much is produced? Where are the products exported? How are the products transported?
Business Case for a Pea Processing Facility - Full Report
Feasibility study to establish interest and an understanding of the pea processing industry.
Oat Processing Feasibility Study
A feasibility assessment to investigate the overall viability of establishing a commercial oat groat processing facility in the La Crete area.
Hemp Alberta Northern Advantage (HANA) Transportation Study
Assessing and comparing the impact of transportation costs and services from numerous potential hemp decortication plant location sites in northern Alberta.
PHOTO GALLERY
REDI PILLARS
See what the REDI Region has to offer: