Building a foundation to support Canada’s grain competitiveness
Cereals Canada and James Richardson & Sons, Limited (JRSL) have taken an important step forward in developing the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange, known as the Gate.
Both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding through which Richardson Centre, a JRSL subsidiary, will provide an in-kind land contribution for the new facility. This land, located at Lombard Avenue and Westbrook Street in downtown Winnipeg, will become a key asset for the project once the capital campaign reaches its goals.
Leaders from both organizations emphasized the importance of this partnership.
“Securing what we previously identified as the most desirable site for Gate is a significant step forward, and we are deeply appreciative of James Richardson & Sons for their generosity,” said Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada. “Together, we are building the foundation for a project that will support Canada’s grain competitiveness well into the future.”
“Our family has been in the grain industry since 1857, and we appreciate the importance of the work that Cereals Canada performs to help expand and diversify export markets for the grain that Canadian farmers produce," said Thor Richardson, President of James Richardson & Sons, Limited. "We also believe that the heart of downtown Winnipeg, which is home to many of Canada’s leading agriculture companies and institutions, is the natural location for the Gate. We’re proud to contribute to a vision that advances the industry, as well as the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.”
“The global trade environment upon which our grain industry depends is more challenging than ever, and we believe that by supporting Gate, we are helping ensure that Canadian agriculture and farming communities continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The Gate is a planned $102-million state-of-the-art centre designed to support research, training, innovation, and international cooperation. The capital campaign, led by former Manitoba Senator JoAnne Buth, has already raised $32,150,000.
“On behalf of the cabinet, I would like to extend gratitude to JRSL and the Richardson family for their support and leadership,” said Buth, Gate Capital Campaign Chair. “The signing of the MOU demonstrates tremendous commitment to the community, grain sector and the future of Canadian agriculture.”
The campaign seeks contributions from industry partners, agribusinesses, individuals, and all levels of government. Supporters believe the Gate will serve as a world-class hub that brings together technology, collaboration, and market development to advance the cereals sector.
Learn more, or support GATE.