The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has approved funding for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative of $6,243,074. Sask Wheat is joined by Alberta Grains ($4,319,798) and Manitoba Crop Alliance ($2,655,587).
“Gate puts in place infrastructure for Saskatchewan wheat farmers to continue their investment in market support, which our international customers value when they purchase Canadian wheat, as well as market development so that we can continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains”, says Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet Honourary Member and Sask Wheat Director, Rob Stone.
This investment is based on the business plan provided by Cereals Canada, which underscores the necessity of a new facility to help the cereals industry grow and thrive. The funding is conditional upon securing the required financial support from government entities and other funding partners. Additionally, Sask Wheat’s representatives on the Cereals Canada Board will oversee that the needs of Cereals Canada and the operational costs are managed in accordance with the directions of the Cereals Canada Board.
“Canada’s cereals sector leads the country’s ag exports to over 80 international destinations, valued at over $10 billion. Having unimpeded access to these international destinations is extremely important to Saskatchewan farmers, and a facility such as Gate will continue to provide a hub for market access initiatives that will benefit all wheat producers,” says Stone.
Sask Wheat is supportive of the work Cereals Canada does and sees significant value in the market development and market access initiatives that Cereals Canada undertakes. This initiative is crucial to ensure we can provide a high standard of market support services in relation to our export competitors. A new facility is needed to continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains and to build on the momentum of the training, testing and innovation Cereals Canada has established over the past 50 years. Sask Wheat looks forward to working with Cereals Canada and other provincial commission and industry partners to ensure that Cereals Canada has the capacity and technology needed to continue this crucial work for the industry.
Sask Wheat is a producer-led organization representing approximately 24,000 wheat and winter cereals producers in the province. Sask Wheat provides leadership in identifying and supporting research, market development and advocacy that contributes to profitable and sustainable wheat and winter cereal production for Saskatchewan farmers.