Provincial grain grower organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario have pledged a total of $13.4 million toward construction of Cereals Canada’s proposed Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (GATE) in downtown Winnipeg, Man.
Unveiled earlier this summer, the plan is to build a $102 million facility that would serve as a hub for Canada’s grain industry, promoting the use of Canadian crops around the world through market development, research, and technical support.
As of September 17, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has approved funding of $6,243,074, while Alberta Grains is committing $4,319,798 and the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has pledged $2,655,587 to the project. Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) also pledged its support on Tuesday (an exact dollar amount from GFO was not announced, but the commitment from the four checkoff-funded groups totals $13.4 million, so it appears GFO’s portion will be in the $200 thousand range).
Cereals Canada has also committed $5 million from its own reserve funds, bringing the GATE Capital Campaign’s fundraising total to $18.4 million.
“High-quality Canadian wheat starts with the growers, so it is fitting that this capital campaign starts with their commitment,” says Joanne Buth, who is serving as chair of the GATE Capital Campaign.
Buth was previously CEO of the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI), which merged with Cereals Canada in 2020. She also served as a Canadian senator and as president of the Canola Council of Canada.
“Growers understand the importance of the global market and the need for technical exchange to keep Canada competitive for years to come,” notes Buth.
All four producer organizations are members of Cereals Canada, which brings together producer groups, grain exporters, crop input companies, and processors.
“GATE puts in place infrastructure for Saskatchewan wheat farmers to continue their investment in market support, which our international customers value when they purchase Canadian wheat, as well as market development so that we can continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains,” says Sask Wheat director Rob Stone.
Alberta Grains says it sees the project as building on the momentum that Cereals Canada (and predecessor CIGI) has established over the past fifty years.
“Alberta Grains recognizes the critical role that market access and development play in maintaining our competitive edge on the global stage,” says Greg Sears, Alberta Grains director. “The GATE initiative will not only reinforce our existing markets but will also open new avenues for growth and innovation, ensuring that Alberta’s wheat and barley producers remain at the forefront of global trade.”
The Manitoba Crop Alliance says its contribution is based on the business plan provided by Cereals Canada, which highlighted the need for a new facility to replace Cereals Canada’s longtime home in the federal government building that also houses the Canadian Grain Commission.
“Market development and access is a top priority for the Manitoba Crop Alliance and one of the core principles that guide our work,” says MCA chair Robert Misko. “This support for GATE will help Cereals Canada continue their valuable work in this area, which benefits Manitoba farmers and the entire cereals value chain.”
The project will “send a strong signal to all of Canada that we as a grains industry are willing to invest in the future of agriculture and grains and ensure we build upon our global reputation for sustainability, quality, and safety,” notes Grain Farmers of Ontario chair Jeff Harrison.
The three Prairie groups say their funding is conditional upon the GATE capital campaign securing additional financial support from government and other partners.
The estimated $102 million price tag includes purchasing land near Cereals Canada’s current home in downtown Winnipeg, and constructing a facility that meets engineering requirements to house advanced milling equipment.
Related coverage:
Cereals Canada announces vision for $100 million Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Watch/listen to Cereals Canada’s Dean Dias discuss the GATE project)
Cereals Canada facing membership upheaval
