Key Takeaways
- Manitoba invests $13 million in the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate), bringing total funding to $31.5 million.
- The facility aims to enhance the Canadian cereals sector’s global competitiveness and innovation.
- Canadian cereal exports are projected at $13.8 billion in 2024, with anticipated wheat exports of 26.2 million tonnes.
Funding for Agricultural Innovation
Cereals Canada announced on April 10 that it received a significant funding boost from the Province of Manitoba for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate), totaling $13 million. This brings the overall investment in Gate to $31.5 million. The initiative, led by Cereals Canada, aims to enhance the competitiveness and innovation of Canada’s cereals sector on a global scale.
Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada, emphasized the importance of this investment for diversifying markets and managing trade risks. He remarked that Gate is crucial for providing global buyers with reliable technical expertise and maintaining Canada’s status as a leading supplier of high-quality cereal grains.
Premier Wab Kinew stressed the importance of agriculture to Manitoba’s economy, stating that the Gate project represents a significant opportunity to expand market access. Kinew highlighted the necessity of ensuring the strength of the agricultural sector as it forms the backbone of Manitoba’s economy.
The announcement was made at Cereals Canada’s pilot bakery, which is among six specialized technical facilities at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Winnipeg. Dias noted that for over 50 years, these facilities have provided essential technical support and advocacy for the success of customers in the cereal industry. The Gate initiative is expected to strengthen these resources, foster industry relationships, and enhance the long-term resilience of Canada’s cereals industry.
In addition to the provincial funding, other stakeholders, including Alberta Grains, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Quebec Grain Producers, have collectively pledged $13.5 million in support of Gate. Cereals Canada also contributed $5 million, demonstrating a shared commitment to bolster Canada’s agricultural technology landscape.
With Canadian cereal exports projected to reach $13.8 billion in 2024, the Gate facility is set to play an integral role in maintaining and expanding Canada’s global market share, particularly as the country aims to export 26.2 million tonnes of wheat this year. This investment is positioned as a vital step towards securing a sustainable future for the Canadian cereal sector in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.
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