The Canadian province of Manitoba has signaled its support of Sapphire Springs’ plan to build a land-based Arctic char farm by granting it a loan of up to CAD 10.75 million (USD 7.9 million, EUR 7.2 million).
Sapphire Springs plans to build a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, capable of producing 5,000 metric tons (MT) of Arctic char per year. The company said the facility will cost CAD 145 million (USD 107 million, EUR 97 million) to develop, and would increase the current global supply of Arctic char by 50 percent.
“We’re taking action to bring more good jobs to Manitoba and grow our economy,” Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses said in a presess release. “We are proud that this world leading facility will expand economic opportunities for Manitoba and create new jobs in the rural municipality of Rockwood, all while producing high-quality sustainable food.”
Sapphire Springs said it is on track to open the facility in 2026.
Separately, Sapphire Springs purchased Icy Waters Ltd., a vertically-integrated Arctic char farm and facility in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, on 27 September 2023. Along with Icy Waters' physical plant, Sapphire Springs also acquired its ...