The Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced $2.6 million for the expansion of the Food Development Centre (FDC). Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Stan Struthers and Federal Member of Parliament Candice Hoeppner (Portage-Lisgar) made the announcement.
“The Food Development Centre is a valuable asset that helps Manitoba farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs excel in building value-chains with Manitoba products and capturing business opportunities,” said Minister Struthers. “Increasing the services and access to the latest technology here is an investment in Manitoba’s economic future and will highlight our position as a world leader in innovative food and ingredient development.”
“The Food Development Centre in Manitoba develops innovative, high-quality food products,” said MP Hoeppner, on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This investment will help their facility to better service the agri-food industry both in Manitoba and nationally, and will help address the increasing demand for Canadian agricultural products.”
The federal contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriFlexibility fund of $1,560,000 will support engineering, expansion, renovations and design requirements and the Province of Manitoba will contribute $1,040,000 for construction costs and labour.
The investment announced today will allow the FDC to provide local, national and international commodity associations and academia with a full service training centre where they can share knowledge and learn from food specialists as well as business and marketing experts who can help Manitoba agricultural producers, food processors, and entrepreneurs start-up businesses and reach their goals.
Overall, the cost of the expansion and renovation project is $7.74 million. The Manitoba government is providing a further $1,840,000 with MAFRI and FDC contributing $1,340,000, and $500,000 from Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. Additional federal funding of $3,300,000 is being provided by the Western Economic Diversification Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund and was announced in October 2009.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy. For more information, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
