Amid rising international trade tensions, the Manitoba government said Thursday it will contribute $13 million to the planned new Global Agriculture Technology Exchange in Winnipeg.
The money for the so-called Gate project – which is being led by Cereals Canada - will support grain producers and processors in their ongoing efforts to establish new international trading partners, the province said in a statement.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Manitoba’s economy, and this investment will protect jobs as farmers and producers are facing a trade war on two fronts,” said Kinew. “This new exchange will help showcase Manitoba’s grains to the world and help drive up global demand for high-quality Canadian grain products.”
The province’s investment will be used to support the building and equipment costs to develop a new building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, with research and innovation space for specialty milling, a pilot bakery, pasta extrusion, as well as training and office space.
The money from the province brings to $31.5 million the total raised for the approximately $102-million Gate project. Envisioned as a multi-use, state-of-the-art facility for grains research, development, and innovation, Gate was first unveiled by Cereals Canada last summer.
Cereals Canada has contributed $5 million toward Gate, while farm organizations in the Prairies and Ontario and Quebec have jointly earmarked $13.5 million.
