ROCKWOOD, ONTARIO, August 15, 2017 – Katan Kitchens is excited to announce that it has successfully received funding through the federal-provincial-territorial Growing Forward 2 (GF2) of up to $17,195 to work with producers in Northern Ontario to pilot a premium gluten-free oat certification program. Grain Farmers of Ontario is supporting the project through funding provided by the 2017 Grains Innovation Fund.
Katan Kitchens, a research firm responsible for six years of research and development of premium Ontario grown Quinta Quinoa, is working to expand the use of, and the demand for, gluten-free oats in Ontario. Main objectives for the project are to work with Northeastern Ontario producers to simplify the transition to gluten free production and educate them on the premium markets for these oats.
“The goal of this project is to diversify Ontario agriculture by developing new and emerging alternative crops in line with existing food trends such as vegan protein sources, and gluten-free and allergen free foods, in our efforts to bring higher revenues to Northern Ontario farmers” says company President and CEO Jamie Draves.
Katan Kitchens developed a complete value chain system for gluten-free quinoa production in Ontario, from production, through to processing and marketing/sales. Katan now looks to begin a beneficial rotation of gluten-free crops in Northern Ontario through this project. This project will act as a pilot program that can be expanded to build infrastructure and a processing facility to dry and process gluten-free crops in Northern Ontario – thus decreasing transportation costs and increasing premiums for Northern Ontario food products. The project is to conclude in the fall of 2017. By promoting and developing a market and value chain system, Katan Kitchens will help meet buyer demand for gluten-free oat production, while increasing revenues and agricultural development in Northern Ontario.
“Support for this project is part of our commitment to help producers grow new crops in rotation. Through this investment, we are creating opportunities for producers in northern Ontario to build a sustainable and diverse agri-food sector that continues to grow and prosper.”
– Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Our government is pleased to support Katan Kitchens in its efforts to expand agriculture in Northern Ontario. This innovative project has the potential to provide new opportunities for Northern Ontario producers, simplify production and help expand markets for value-added agri-food products such as gluten-free oats.”
– Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“I am pleased that the exciting pilot project by partners Katan Kitchens and Northern Ontario grain growers to produce premium gluten free oats is being recognized with a grant from Growing Forward 2.”
– Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph
Contact Information
Jamie Draves — President and CEO
Katan Kitchens
Tel: 289.839.0097
Email: jdraves@katan.ca
This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.
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