By Rachel Kraynick, P.Ag., Agriculture Programs Specialist, Yorkton
May 2026
Saskatchewan’s agri food sector continues to be a driver of innovation and economic growth, and programs like the Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) are helping processors strengthen their operations. Designed to boost productivity, reduce waste and modernize facilities, SLIM provides the tools and support businesses need to stay competitive in a global marketplace.
Delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, SLIM offers cost shared funding to help agrifood businesses adopt lean manufacturing practices and invest in more efficient production systems. Applicants can receive up to $750,000 for eligible projects under three funding streams: efficiency, emissions reduction and expansion.
Across its three streams, SLIM helps processors eliminate bottlenecks, streamline production and increase overall value. Eligible activities include consulting to identify inefficiencies, equipment upgrades that improve output and reduce waste, process engineering and workflow redesign, and the adoption of automation or digital technologies. These improvements can reduce downtime, enhance product consistency and make better use of labour and materials.
Harvest Meats General Manager, Geoff Propp, has seen firsthand how impactful SLIM can be. The Yorkton-based company, a longtime participant in ministry programs, produces more than 50 varieties of smoked, cured and dried meat products. After assessing which project would deliver the strongest return on investment, Harvest Meats applied through the efficiency stream to automate a key production line.
The new robotics system loads sausages into packages, seals and labels them, packs them into boxes and stacks them for shipping.
“This project would not have been feasible without SLIM funding,” Propp noted. “The application process was straight forward, and the ministry specialists provided valuable support. The automation has already reduced labour needs on that line by 50 per cent, allowing employees to transition into roles with greater responsibility.”
Propp encourages other processors to evaluate which investments will deliver long-term value, noting how transformative the right technology can be.
In today’s competitive global environment, programs like SLIM help Saskatchewan processors stay ahead and ensure the province remains a leader in agrifood innovation.
For more information about the program, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1‑866‑457‑2377.