Gate is a multimillion-dollar project to support Canadian cereal innovation
Three ag organizations from western Canada have announced their involvement to help position Canada as a world leader in cereal grains.
Alberta Grains, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Manitoba Crop Alliance are contributing more than $13 million towards the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate).
Led by Cereals Canada, which all three provincial organizations are a member, Gate is a $102-million-dollar project in downtown Winnipeg, Man., to support the Canadian cereal industry.
Canada’s cereals sector is the national leader in ag exports.
More than 80 destinations import Canadian cereals, valued at more than $ 10 billion.
The Gate will look to build on that success.
The building will be a multi-use facility for research, development and innovation focusing on milling, food processing and end-product development. It will be a hub for collaboration to create more opportunities for Canadian grain, and to provide technical support for buyers.
It will also serve as the headquarters for Cereals Canada.
“Gate will serve as a hub for food innovation to support Canadian farmers, domestic and global customers, and the value chain, and it will uphold Canada’s position as a leader in nutritious, high-quality food ingredients,” a press release says.
Cereals Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario are also contributing to Gate, bringing total initial investments up to $18.4 million.
These financial commitments demonstrate that the ag sector is ready to do more on the global stage.
“Growers understand the importance of the global market and the need for technical exchange to keep Canada competitive for years to come,” JoAnne Buth, chair of the capital campaign, said in a statement.
For Gate to become a reality, more support is needed.
A gap of almost $84 million needs to be closed.
“The funding is conditional upon securing the required financial support from government entities and other funding partners,” a Sept. 17 Sask Wheat statement says.