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MAY 26, 2005 Feasibility Study for new Agricultural Centre of Excellence WINNIPEG, Manitoba- The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) in association with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) today announced a $149,445 feasibility study to investigate the creation of a new agricultural centre of excellence in Winnipeg. “This is an ideal opportunity to sit down with a broad cross-section of the grain industry, agri-business, researchers, and farm groups, to plan for the future of agriculture here in Winnipeg,” said Barry Senft, CIGI executive director and chair of an industry committee established to assess the needs and opportunities for a future building. “It is timely for our organizations to look at combining synergies and building on strengths, together.” The new centre of excellence would incorporate crop research, market development and quality assurance activities and could house a vast array of laboratory space, pilot processing facilities, offices, classrooms, greenhouses and environmental chambers. This centre will build on existing research strengths in the Province and incorporate emerging areas such as functional foods. “Manitoba is nationally recognized for its cereal grains research and value-added processing expertise. With the new Richardson Centre for Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals, and recent food research funding for the National Centre for Agri-Food Research in Medicine, this feasibility study for the Agricultural Centre of Excellence would complete the link from farmers right through to consumers,” said Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “This will make Manitoba a world-class hub for agricultural research, market support and development.” Funding of $99,500 for the study is being provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada, and AAFC is supporting the study with an additional $35,000. The study will commence shortly following the selection of an independent consultant. A broad range of farm organizations and agri-business will be consulted on potential involvement and direction for this initiative. It is expected to be completed by mid-August 2005.
Barry Senft |