Manitoba Government Invests In The Global Agriculture Technology Exchange

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew makes funding announcement for Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) (CNW Group/Cereals Canada)

WINNIPEG — On Apr. 10, Cereals Canada announced that it had received $13 million in funding support for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate). This investment from the Province of Manitoba brings the total raised for Gate to $31.5 million.

Led by Cereals Canada, Gate will be a facility that will try to propel the Canadian cereals sector towards more global agricultural innovation.

“This is a substantial investment from the Government of Manitoba for the future of Canadian cereals,” said Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada. “Gate is an essential investment in diversifying our markets and mitigating trade risk, providing global buyers with trusted technical knowledge and expertise, and maintaining Canada’s leadership as a trusted and consistent supplier of high-quality cereal grains.”

With Canadian cereal exports valued at $13.8 billion in 2024, the Gate facility is poised to play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding Canada’s global market share. Cereals Canada says that this year, Canada is expected to export 26.2 million tonnes of wheat.

“We’re looking for more places to do business — we’re looking for more opportunities — because agriculture is the backbone of our western Canadian economy and our Manitoba economy,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew at the announcement. “The Gate project is an amazing opportunity for us to do a ton of heavy lifting to bring our goods to market.”

“This is a good long-term investment in ensuring the backbone of our western Canadian economy is going to stay strong,” said Kinew.

The funding announcement was made from the pilot bakery at Cereals Canada, one of six technical facilities located at the organization’s downtown Winnipeg headquarters.

“For over 50 years, these specialized laboratories have played an important role in providing world-class technical support, advocacy, and expertise to ensure customer success,” said Dias. “Gate will enable us to amplify our resources, maintain and grow markets, and foster industry relationships and advocacy, helping to ensure the long-term competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s cereals industry.”

Alberta Grains, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Manitoba Crop Alliance, Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Quebec Grain Producers/Producteurs de grains du Québec have together pledged $13.5 million, along with $5 million from Cereals Canada, in support of Gate.