Manitoba’s largest poultry processor has struck a new cooperative relationship with the Red River College’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute and together they promise to find new meal options and markets for chicken and turkey.
In recent years, Granny’s Poultry Farmers Cooperative has introduced Ginseng-Fed Chicken and Omega 3-Infused Turkey. By working closely with the college and conducting independent research in its own space in the downtown Winnipeg institute, Granny’s hopes to put even more flavourful and more unique chicken and turkey products on kitchen and restaurant tables across Canada.
The cooperative’s $200,000 investment in Paterson’s GlobalFoods Institute is the single largest donation the farmer-owned cooperative has made in its 50-year history. A valuable link between industry and education will be created when Granny’s team starts working alongside the college’s Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Professional Baking and Apprenticeship staff and students in March. Together students and industry will help imagine, conceive and develop practical ways to make locally-grown food more interesting, affordable and flavourful for home cooks and high end chefs alike.
“It is our great privilege to work with Red River College staff and students in what is truly a world-class facility,” says Craig Evans, CEO of Granny’s Poultry Cooperative. “We are excited about the opportunity to tap into the wealth of creativity on the premises to develop practical applications for our existing poultry products as well as to develop new products and formats.”
“Our objective is to make poultry an everyday protein as part of a healthy diet, and get people using all parts of the bird. Our research goals are to help families and organizations find practical meal solutions while working within a budget. This includes creating unique recipes and menu ideas, utilizing different flavors and also developing customized meal plans for busy families and people with health concerns or dietary restrictions.” says Evans. “Our hope is that by partnering with RRC and tapping into the creativity of its students, we will be able to bring these ideas to life. ”
RRC President Stephanie Forsyth welcomes and congratulates Granny’s Poultry for the cooperative’s vision and commitment to local and healthy foods and for valuing the important role industry has in education.
“We are training students in our Culinary Arts program on the importance of using locally produced foods and how to create healthy options for future customers. A partnership with Granny’s Poultry is nice fusion of our common commitments,” Forsyth said.
