Regina Delivers Data-Backed Opportunity for Agri-Food Growth
August 12, 2025
REGINA, SK – New economic modelling from Economic Development Regina (EDR) proves the investment opportunity for a mid-scale canola meal processing facility in one of Canada’s most strategic and sustainable agri-food regions. Global demand for canola meal is rising – and the Greater Regina Area (GRA) is ready to meet it.
“This is a data-backed, investment-ready opportunity,” said Chris Lane, President and CEO of EDR. “With the groundwork set and global demand accelerating, Regina is the right place – and now is the right time – to invest.”
The proposed facility would tap into 5.7M tonnes of new canola crush capacity coming online by 2027 in the GRA, transforming high-quality local feedstock into canola meal for export. At the same time, it would help reduce Canada’s reliance on imported soymeal and strengthen domestic agri-food supply chains.
“This project could add approximately $4M annually to the province’s export value,” added Lane. “It’s a meaningful boost to Saskatchewan’s economy and reinforces Regina’s position as a hub for agri-food innovation.”
The proposed canola meal facility is part of a new initiative from EDR to create investment-ready opportunities for global capital. Using EDR’s data analytics and economic methodology, the potential project is ready for investors to take the next step.
The Opportunity at a Glance:
- Capital investment: Between CA$5M to $10M
- Annual input: Up to 14,000 tonnes of canola seed
- Annual outputs: Between 4,000 and 8,000 tonnes of canola meal; Between 2,500 and 5,000 tonnes of residual oil
- Revenue potential: $5M to $11M per year
- Job creation: Up to 20 permanent jobs and 30–50 construction jobs
- Annual municipal revenue: Up to CA$589K
- Target markets: U.S., China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Africa
- Strategic location: Access to Class I rail, Global Transportation Hub, and proximity to major crush facilities
The recent announcement of Regina’s BDO Zone ratings – a system used to evaluate biomass readiness and infrastructure capacity for bio-based manufacturing – position Regina as a logical choice for a venture of this nature.
Under the rating system, the GRA earned:
- AA for canola meal
- A for wheat straw
- BBB for canola straw
These ratings highlight two key strengths of the GRA. First, the region’s strong foundation in biomass and infrastructure – including access to 6.8M tonnes of canola biomass each year – positioning it as a prime location for new ventures that can tap into the potential of canola meal and wheat straw.
The rating for canola straw reflects the region’s leadership in regenerative agriculture. It signals how effectively local producers use canola straw to support soil health and maintain crop yields, even if that limits its availability for value-added processing.
“These ratings aren’t just letters – they’re proof,” said Lane. “Proof that Regina has the resources, infrastructure, and momentum. Investors looking for long-term, sustainable, and scalable opportunities should be looking here.”
-30-
For media inquiries, contact:
Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina Inc.
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6392
