Ag Notes
Man. growers fund innovation centre
Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers has committed $200,000 as a sponsor of the Prairie Innovation Centre’s Collaboration Zone at Assiniboine College’s North Hill campus in Brandon.
The centre aims to expand seats in agriculture-related programming from 300 to more than 800.
Key to the success of the centre is the Collaboration Zone, enabling connection and innovation with industry partners.
New chief veterinary officer appointed
Dr. Mary Jane Ireland has been appointed a new World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) delegate for Canada and chief veterinary officer.
Dr. Jaspinder Komal held the title over the last four years.
Ireland is currently executive director of the Animal Health Directorate within the policy and programs branch at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Ireland graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and began her career in a mixed animal practice in eastern Ontario.
She joined the Veterinary Drugs Directorate at Health Canada in 2002 and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on 2020.
As chief veterinary officer, Ireland leads Canada’s efforts to manage disease threats.
As the OIE delegate, she represents Canada on the international stage, and plays a role in Canada’s participation in the OIE standard-setting process for the development and adoption of animal health standards and guidelines.
Millers group joins Cereals Canada
The Canadian National Millers Association is the newest member of Cereals Canada, which recently held its first annual general meeting as an amalgamated organization.
Cereal Canada’s board of directors has also decided to continue with the current executive committee for another year.
Two new board members were appointed: Greg Sears and Gregg Fotheringham. The board of directors includes Todd Hames as chair, Jennifer Marchand as vice-chair, Robert Misko as treasurer and Jean-Marc Ruest as secretary.
B.C. funds Indigenous agriculture
Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia will be able to begin or expand their farming and food businesses through funding available from the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program.
The program has funded $297,390 in 48 communities since 2018. Eligible applicants can receive professional guidance from qualified business consultants with experience in building agriculture ventures.
There is $150,000 available for this round of funding:
- Stream 1 provides funding of up to $19,000 to Indigenous governments, communities and organizations for feasibility assessments of food and agriculture development options, food security planning and business planning.
- Stream 2 provides funding up to $8,000 to Indigenous entrepreneurs for specialized planning and coaching services to develop and plan their food and agricultural businesses.
Applications are being accepted on a first-come first-serve basis until the funding is fully subscribed. To apply, click here.
Website provides Man. farmers market guide
The website DirectFarmManitoba.ca connects customers with more than 40 farmers markets across Manitoba.
The website contains schedules and addresses for farmers markets as well as information about each grower.
Visit directfarmmanitoba.ca to browse the interactive map and sign up for e-news for updates.
Source: www.producer.com