Contracts have been signed between Leamington area farmers and Highbury Canco.

According to Highbury Canco director, Pradeep Sood, 10 farmers have signed contracts to provide tomatoes for the Heinz supplier.

Sood says the signings were a critical step in getting their tomato juicing operation running. The contracted farmers will be supplying tomatoes from this year’s crop.

In February, Highbury Canco announced they signed a letter of intent to acquire space within Leamington’s Heinz facility – creating 250 jobs, plus seasonal staff.

Earlier this month, the Provincial Farm Products Marketing Commission granted Highbury a conditional licence for tomato processing.

Heinz is scheduled to close their Leamington plant on June 27.