The agricultural food sector in Northern Ontario received significant support today from the federal government. Sault Ste.

MP Mary Tree Sheehan visited Rico Foods, where she announced more than $950,000 for two organizations in the Algoma area.

Sheehan said, "What we learned here today is that agricultural businesses in Northern Ontario and the Algoma area are alive, well, and growing."

The largest portion - $721,530 - went to the Rural Agricultural Innovation Network (RAIN), to create and deliver a program called RAMP for meat processing.

David Thompson, director of RAIN, explained that the funds will be distributed to 20 companies in Northern Ontario eligible for the money.

"It will lead to the development of new technology and the purchase of equipment that will help these plants be more efficient.

The funding will also be for management training... as well as productivity studies." Among the twenty companies RAIN distributes money to is Rico's Foods, which received $25,000.

After 35 years in business, the owner of Rico's Foods, Richard Balartchio, said this will help the company expand its online presence and product inventory.

"It allows us to diversify into some other types of foods. We usually make pasta, meatballs, and things.

This allows us to enter the processed meat trade and see how that can add to our current food base." Penokean Hills Co-Operative received the remaining $230,000 to upgrade the feedyard.

Mike Toluq, a board member of the cooperative, says that paved ground leads to a better life for livestock, resulting eventually in higher prices when sold.

The funding means the creation of 11 full-time jobs, two part-time jobs, and will help maintain employment for 35.