Little Potato Company Ltd. took a monumental step toward sustainable agriculture and food production with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art potato packing facility in Nisku, Alberta. This milestone not only signifies the company’s impressive growth, but also underscores its unwavering commitment to raising food production standards around the world.
Strategically located in the Nisku Business Park, this new facility spans an impressive 240,000 square feet and represents a significant investment of US$39.5 million. The location was chosen due to its proximity to excellent agricultural regions, dedicated family farmers, an efficient transport network and a skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for the company’s ambitious plans.
The facility is designed using innovative technology that prioritizes environmentally friendly practices, revolutionizing the cleaning, grading and packaging of their small potatoes. Little Potato is setting the pace for the food industry by significantly reducing waste and carbon emissions. Notably, the facility is equipped with 3,288 solar modules that provide a quarter of its energy needs, making it the second largest private rooftop micro-generator in Alberta.
In addition to using solar energy, the new plant is equipped with a modern water recycling system. This technology reclaims the water used to wash potatoes, increasing the value and safety of the product while significantly reducing water consumption and operating costs. The facility can process more than 56,700 tons of small potatoes per year, with approximately 70% of this capacity dedicated to export sales to the United States.
The Government of Alberta supported the project through the Agricultural Investment Tax Credit program with US$1.3 million. This program aims to strengthen local businesses and stimulate economic growth and diversification in the province.
Angela Santiago, CEO and co-founder of The Little Potato Company, expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude during the opening ceremony: “Today is more than opening; it’s a promise to our community and planet. What started as a humble dream has grown into a global initiative dedicated to sustainable nutrition and improving the nutrition of the world, one potato at a time. Our innovative facility is built with future generations in mind. We are committed to becoming leaders in organic production to meet the growing demand of families looking to quickly serve delicious, nutritious whole foods.”
The opening of The Little Potato Company’s new facility marks significant progress in sustainable food production. By integrating environmentally friendly technologies and innovative processes, the company sets a new standard for the industry. This facility not only increases production capacity, but also strengthens their commitment to environmental stewardship, providing a foundation for the future development of sustainable agriculture.
