New agricultural terminal in Hamilton Port increases diversity

The Port of Hamilton's planto move away from a steel-dominated waterwayis shifting into high gear as a new agricultural terminal wasannounced Tuesday.

The new terminal will be usedfor the importing and exporting of grains and oilseeds. A release said it will be a50,000 metric tonfacility, expected to be finished for the 2017 harvest, and will be owned and operated by G3 a newly formed Canadian agribusiness. It will be located at Pier 26 just off the QEW.

"It's a big deal," said the Port of Hamilton's manager of communication, Larissa Fenn.

"The Port of Hamilton has emerged as quite an important link in the food chain that connects Ontario farmers to the international markets."

Hamilton's port has experienced a rapid transition from its role as a steel port. The port's plan, going back past 2008, was to adapt to the changing market and move from a location that primarily handles steel to one that transports a diverse array of cargo.

That plan has been carried out, according to recent numbers.

Agricultural cargo has grown from nineper cent of the ports imports and exports to 20 per cent between 2008 and 2014. That's an increase of nearly 1.2 million metric tons. Included in those agricultural statistics is grain, which currently represents 15 per cent of the cargo alone.

Hamilton Port already has two grain handling facilities Richardson International and Parrish and Heimbecker. But the port and G3 believe the new terminal will increase its ability to servethe growing global marketplace for Canadian agriculture.

"Demand from overseas markets for Canadian agri-food has been very strong, showing no signs of abating," said Fenn. "G3's facility is important in helping Ontario farmers capture this market opportunity."

Construction for the facility is already underway to be ready for the 2017 harvest.