The Manitoba government is investing $13 million for Cereals Canada to develop the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate), a world-class centre in downtown Winnipeg that will support grain producers and processors in their ongoing efforts to establish new international trading partners, Premier Wab Kinew, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Manitoba’s economy and this investment will protect jobs as farmers and producers are facing a trade war on two fronts,” said Kinew. “This new exchange will help showcase Manitoba’s grains to the world and help drive up global demand for high-quality Canadian grain products.”
“We’re working with Cereals Canada to drive innovation and provide their technical expertise to help bring more investments to Manitoba,” said Moses. This partnership will protect Manitoba jobs and deliver opportunities for long-term growth in Manitoba.”
Funds will be used to support the building and equipment costs to develop a new building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, with research and innovation space for specialty milling, a pilot bakery, pasta extrusion, as well as training and office space.
“Canada produces some of the highest quality grains in the world and that gives us a unique advantage,” said Kostyshyn. “Retaining Cereals Canada in Winnipeg will solidify Manitoba as the centre of the Canadian grains industry and a hub for global trade.”
“This is a substantial investment from the Manitoba government for the future of Canadian cereals,” said Dean Dias, CEO, Cereals Canada. “Gate is an essential investment in diversifying our markets and mitigating trade risk, providing global buyers with trusted technical knowledge and expertise, and maintaining Canada’s leadership as a trusted and consistent supplier of high-quality cereal grains.”
This new investment is part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg, improving safety and bringing businesses back to the downtown core, noted the premier, adding the investment in Gate will complement provincial funding for the Your Way Home homelessness strategy, the redesign and creation of the Portage Place Health Centre of Excellence, investments in the downtown YMCA and bringing people together for Winnipeg Jets whiteout celebrations.
(Government of Manitoba news release)
