A $19 million vegetable processing plant upgrade will provide a shot in the arm for Hawke’s Bay crop farmers – especially those growing beans.

The McCain Foods’ Hasting plant will receive the multi-million dollar upgrade, which will include the addition of a new processing line, and create dozens of new jobs.

The plant will also be able to process more than 5000 tonnes of beans every year, meaning more opportunities for local growers.

Federated Farmers Grower representative Hugh Ritchie says the opportunity will be welcomed by those growing in the area.

"For me as a grower it’s that they are giving us confidence that they are going to stay in Hawkes Bay long term; and to give me an alternative land use from other things which is always good for business.

"It will drive other things up, so there will be good competition for land to grow the crops."

Work on the upgrade has already started and is expected to be completed early next year.