Core Insights - Nortera is investing C$28 million ($19.9 million) to enhance capacity at its Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu facility in Quebec, emphasizing the importance of food sovereignty amid economic uncertainties and rising competition [1][2] Investment Details - The investment aims to increase the facility's capacity from six million to 10.6 million case-equivalents, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and providing economic benefits to rural communities [2] - The capital injection is intended to support local agricultural production continuity in Quebec over the coming years [2] Operational Changes - As part of this investment strategy, the company will close its Saint-Césaire plant by late January next year, resulting in the creation of 70 permanent jobs at Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu and the loss of approximately 100 positions at Saint-Césaire [3] Company Background - Nortera, which operates 13 plants across Canada and the US, processes over 400,000 tonnes of vegetables annually and collaborates with around 540 farming partners, employing nearly 3,000 people [4] - The company rebranded from Bonduelle Americas Long Life to Nortera in 2022 after acquiring significant stakes from Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec [5]

Core Viewpoint - Shenyang is leveraging its unique agricultural resources and modern technology to develop a high-quality agricultural sector, focusing on key industries such as sauerkraut, meat chickens, freshwater fish, and rice paddy art, thereby driving rural revitalization and economic growth [1][4][14] Group 1: Agricultural Development - Shenyang is enhancing its agricultural production through intelligent farming and brand empowerment, transforming local specialties into comprehensive industrial chains [1][4] - The city aims to become a national hub for freshwater fish, with a projected production of 232,000 tons and a fishery output value of 3.34 billion yuan in 2024 [5] - Shenyang's agricultural products are not only meeting local demand but also extending their reach to northeastern provinces and major regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta [5] Group 2: Brand and Market Expansion - The "Rice Dream Space" scenic area has gained popularity as a tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and enhancing the brand value of Shenyang rice [6][8] - The city is integrating agricultural production with tourism and cultural branding, aiming to create a strong regional public brand for agricultural products [8][14] - Shenyang is promoting its unique agricultural products, such as sauerkraut and chicken, as key drivers of economic growth and brand recognition [9][14] Group 3: Industry Chain Development - The sauerkraut industry in Shenyang has seen significant growth, with 65 operating companies producing approximately 700 million pounds annually, accounting for 60-70% of national sales [9] - The white feather chicken industry is projected to reach a total industrial chain value of 10 billion yuan in 2024, with a focus on expanding the value chain through processing and branding [13][14] - Shenyang is committed to enhancing its agricultural ecosystem by strengthening leading enterprises and extending the value chain from production to market [14]