Manitoba invests $13M in downtown agriculture exchange to spur economic growth and international trade
The Manitoba government announces a significant investment to create a hub for agricultural innovation and commerce in Winnipeg.
The Manitoba government announced April 10 that it is providing $13 million to Cereals Canada to establish the new Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate). This initiative will create a centralized space for agricultural innovation, business development and international trade, while assisting in the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.
“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 Premier Wab Kinew with the announcement. “This new exchange will help showcase Manitoba’s grains to the world and help drive up global demand for high-quality Canadian grain products.”
Gate is envisioned as a collaborative space where entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders can converge to drive innovation in agriculture and demand for Canadian grain products. The facility will offer resources and support for startups and established businesses alike while promoting economic diversification within the province. Funds will be used for the facility and equipment in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, offering “research and innovation space for specialty milling, a pilot bakery, pasta extrusion as well as training and office space.”
The investment is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in downtown Winnipeg. Alberta Grains, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Manitoba Crop Alliance, Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Quebec Grain Producers/Producteurs de grains du Québec have collectively committed $13.5 million to the Gate initiative. Their investment is bolstered by an additional $5 million contribution from Cereals Canada, bringing the total investment for Gate to $31.5 million.
“Canada produces some of the highest quality grains in the world and that gives us a unique advantage,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “Retaining Cereals Canada in Winnipeg will solidify Manitoba as the centre of the Canadian grains industry and a hub for global trade.”
With Canadian cereal exports reaching $13.8 billion in 2024, the new facility is set to become a key player in supporting and expanding Canada’s presence in global markets. Canada is projected to export 26.2 million tonnes of wheat this year—ranking second in the world overall and first in exports of high-quality, high-protein wheat. The cereals sector generates $68.8 billion in annual economic activity and supports 370,000 full-time jobs across the country, making it a major pillar of the national economy. Canadian cereals are exported to more than 80 countries each year, leading all other agricultural sectors in international reach.
“This is a substantial investment from the Manitoba government 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.”
