Provincial associations commit funds to new facility 

Glacier FarmMedia—Four organizations announced funding for the planned Global Agriculture Technology Exchange in Winnipeg Sept. 17.

Alberta Grains, SaskWheat, Manitoba Crop Alliance and Grain Farmers of Ontario will contribute $13.4 million to the project known as Gate.

All are members of Cereals Canada, which has proposed the $102 million building to advance Canada’s position as a leader in innovation and food security. So far, $18.4 million has been raised with a contribution from Cereals Canada’s coffers.

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JoAnne Buth is the capital campaign chair.

“High-quality Canadian wheat starts with the growers, so it is fitting that this capital campaign starts with their commitment,” she said in a news release.

She added that farmers understand the need to stay competitive in a global market.

Gate is to contain state-of-the-art equipment for milling, baking, pasta and noodle making, malt and brewing and oat processing.

Fundraising was delayed earlier this summer. Several members of Cereals Canada had also decided to leave around that time.

Some farmers on social media said after the funding announcement that they opposed the contributions because levies should not be used to construct buildings.

—Updated Sept. 18