TRANSFORM

"TransForm was producing transmission components within ten months of the initial announcement. This could not have been accomplished without the tremendous support that we received from the City of London and the LEDC. They have responded with urgency to our business needs and have proven invaluable in the success of our launch."

Denis Hartman, Operations Manager

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Sector Profile

Canada has a 400 year history of agriculture and agri-food processing. Our food products are of high quality and are exported around the world.

The Canadian agri-food industry is the second-largest manufacturing sector in Canada representing 8.3 percent of GDP (2000) and employing 2.2 million workers. Canadian agri-food exports accounted for 3.8 percent of world agri-food exports, making Canada the world's 3rd largest agri-food exporter behind the United States and the European Union (2000).

Food processing is the largest manufacturing sector in seven provinces (it represents the second largest manufacturing sector in Ontario and the third largest in British Columbia and New Brunswick) and accounts for 10 per cent of the share of total manufacturing shipments in Canada.

In 2001, the Agri-Food industry contributed $7.4 billion to Canada's trade balance, accounting for 10 per cent of the total Canadian trade surplus. There has been a steady climb in the value of Canada's agricultural exports, from $11 billion a decade ago to a record $26.5 billion in 2001.

Canada's Five Key Advantages

Canada has many advantages on competing food processing jurisdictions around the world. The five key advantages are the quality of food, location near customers, low business costs, research capabilities, and environmentally responsible practices.

Key Advantage # 1 - Safe, High Quality Food
Key Advantage # 2 - Gateway to the North American Market
Key Advantage # 3 - Low Business Costs
Key Advantage # 4 - Leading Edge Science and Innovation
Key Advantage # 5 - Environmentally Responsible Production

Agri-Food Processing: Ontario

Food processing is the second largest manufacturing industry in Ontario. The combination of high-quality local food ingredients, a skilled and educated workforce, low business costs, central location, world class research facilities and an excellent transportation system give Ontario the advantage over competing jurisdictions.

The food, beverage and tobacco products industries employed 100,000 people in Ontario for 2001 while mixed farming, animal production and crop production employed a further 81,000 people 8. There are almost 60,000 farms in Ontario covering 13.5 million acres and including over 9 million acres in crops.

Agri-Food Processing: London

When making a decision to invest in London, agri-food processing companies like yours will have a number of criteria which must be satisfied. At the LEDC, we understand your need for accurate and timely information and have prepared detailed material on the following topics for your consideration.