It's a step forward for one of the companies that wants to take over some of the tomato processing at the Leamington Heinz plant.

As CTV News reported Thursday, the Provincial Farm Products Marketing Commission is granting Highbury Canco Corporation a one year licence to operate.

The license is conditional however, as the company must still reach an agreement with Heinz.

The license from the marketing agency means Highbury Canco can now accept tomatoes from local growers.