Cereals Canada has secured a significant boost for its ambitious Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative, with the Province of Manitoba committing $13 million in funding. This injection brings the total raised for Gate to $31.5 million, marking a substantial step forward in the project’s development. The announcement was made by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who emphasized the strategic importance of the investment for the province and the broader western Canadian economy.
“The backbone of our economy is agriculture, and this investment is about ensuring that backbone stays strong,” Kinew stated. He highlighted the need to explore new markets and opportunities, positioning Manitoba and western Canada as global leaders in agricultural innovation. The Gate project, he noted, presents a unique chance to enhance the region’s competitiveness and expand its reach in the global market.
Led by Cereals Canada, Gate aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility that will drive the Canadian cereals sector into a new era of global agricultural innovation. Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada, underscored the significance of the Manitoba government’s investment. “This is a substantial vote of confidence in the future of Canadian cereals,” Dias said. He explained that Gate is crucial for diversifying markets, mitigating trade risks, and maintaining Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality cereal grains.
Canada’s cereal exports are a vital component of the economy, with a projected value of $13.8 billion in 2024. The country is set to export 26.2 million tonnes of wheat this year, securing its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of wheat and the top exporter of high-quality, high-protein wheat. The Gate facility is expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding Canada’s global market share.
The Canadian cereals sector is a powerhouse, contributing $68.8 billion in annual economic activity and supporting 370,000 full-time jobs. Canadian cereals are exported to over 80 countries, demonstrating the sector’s global reach and importance. The funding announcement was made at Cereals Canada’s pilot bakery, one of six technical facilities at its downtown Winnipeg headquarters. These facilities have been instrumental in providing technical support, advocacy, and expertise for over five decades.
Dias emphasized that Gate will build on this legacy, amplifying resources, growing markets, and fostering industry relationships. “Our goal is to ensure the long-term competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s cereals industry,” he said. The project has garnered strong support from farmers across the country, with agricultural organizations from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec pledging a combined $13.5 million. Cereals Canada has also contributed $5 million to the initiative.
The Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet, along with Cereals Canada staff, will continue to raise funds to bring the vision of Gate to fruition. The project represents a forward-thinking approach to maintaining and enhancing Canada’s leadership in the global cereals market, ensuring that the sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy for years to come.