Novem has signed a contract for the purchase of BC Tree Fruits’ largest controlled climate storage facility for cold chain located in Kelowna, B.C. In the event of closing the deal, Novem will lease the facility as an emergency plan so that the tree-fruit industry can to protect up to 25 millions of pounds of apples.

The harvest this year, as well as the livelihoods of hundreds cultivators and thousands of people were put at serious threat after BC Tree Fruits Cooperative announced that it was going to stop operations and start bankruptcy process.

“Saving the harvest this year is the immediate objective of Novem.” stated Colin Davison, CEO of NOVEM. “But we think Novem could help in aiding farmers in creating a more modern model of Canadian production of fruit trees located in British Columbia.”

“However, Novem can’t do this on its own. The strengthening of Canada’s food security must be of national significance and be the top priority of any level of government over the long run. Private sector companies are doing their job, but it requires government assistance in order to create an industry that is more durable and secure.”

The finalization and financing of this deal is likely to require the approval of both federal and provincial government officials. Both levels of government officials have expressed their support for the plan prior to the signature of a contract for purchase of the facility. The temporary lease of the facility will be in place for the entire season of fruit, or after the completion of this financial deal.

Novem has secured signed contracts with the majority of the largest packing firms located in B.C. The Interior and the facility will be 100 percent committed by September 15 — just one week after the date of possession.

Novem, which operates facilities located in Kelowna and Edmonton and plans to keep operations for storage in Sexsmith Road. Sexsmith Road site as well as expanding the facility in order to support future growth plans for a wider spectrum of the broader Agrifood sector. The plans include improvements to the existing operation as well as an expansion of the overall controlled ambient storage as well as the capacity of cold chains to serve the biopharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical industry. The expansion plans are expected to increase job opportunities within the region and include new employees who work at the facilities as well as local farms.

More information is available here:

Novem

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www.novempharma.com