The Global Agriculture Technology Exchange received acknowledgement
Manitoba’s ag sector received multiple mentions during the Nov. 19 throne speech.
During Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville’s remarks, she highlighted the government’s plans for Winnipeg.
“Our new vision for downtown Winnipeg includes Manitoba’s agricultural sector,” she said. “The new Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) campus will bring visitors to Manitoba and Manitoba’s grains to the world at a time when we need to diversify and expand our markets”
The $102-million-dollar project will support research, development and innovation focusing on milling, food processing and end-product development. And it will serve as the headquarters for Cereals Canada.
Cereals Canada was pleased to see Gate recognized during the speech.
“The Gate project is driven by ambition and a vision for the Canadian cereals industry to grow and thrive in both domestic and international markets now and in the future," Cereals Canada CEO Dean Dias said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Province of Manitoba, and all levels of government, to bring this world-class facility to downtown Winnipeg.”
Other times Lt. Gov Neville mentioned Manitoba ag during the throne speech touched on government investments.
The government is “leaning into our strengths with new investments in agriculture” and other industries, she said.
In January of this year, for example, Manitoba and the federal government, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, invested $1.3 million to advance horticulture programming at Assiniboine College.
Another mention of Manitoba ag was a reminder of prior commitments the government made.
One is to open two Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation offices in 2025.
Budget 2024 allocates $200,000 of funding to open these offices in rural Manitoba.
The other is the agreement the provincial government made with Azure Sustainable Fuel on a $1.9 billion jet fuel production facility in Portage la Prairie. The facility is scheduled to open in 2027.
Lt. Gov. Neville mentions Gate beginning at the 33:23 mark of the video.