Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Can-AM Pepper Company Ltd is a 4th generation family farming operation based out of Aylmer, Ontario. As a grower, shipper and*packer of fresh produce, they grow more than 40 different vegetables and fruits and have annual production throughout the*Western Hemisphere. A key challenge in agri-business is food waste, which occurs during production, processing and retailing. In*Canada, approximately 9% of food waste occurs on the field with an additional 11% occurring at retail stores due to produce that*are considered seconds because of visual imperfections. One of Can-AM Peppers core products, spaghetti squash, has a*serious food waste problem due to an issue called scarring a term used to identify produce with visual skin imperfections.*Can-AM Pepper is focused on continued growth by turning spaghetti squash that would otherwise become food waste into valueadd,*consumer packaged goods. The goal of this project is to create new, innovative, value-added products from spaghetti squash*seconds by optimizing processing technologies that will provide desirable functionality, while maintaining acceptable shelf-life.*These products will allow Can-AM to increase revenue, yields, and efficiencies, as they expand into new and lucrative markets.*The results of this project will contribute to the profitability and sustainability of Ontarios fruit and vegetable sector and provide*year-round revenue that will help to ensure the viability of Can-AM Pepper for generations to come.