This year’s Agriculture Awareness Day highlights Manitoba’s agricultural strengths and recognizes the many contributions of farmers and food processors to the province’s economy. This statement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
“I take pride in showcasing the work of both farmers and food processors who work hard to bring quality homegrown ingredients to Manitobans and the world, while also contributing to our province’s economic success” said Kostyshyn.
This year marks the ninth annual Agriculture Awareness Day and included a Manitoba pita bar, which allowed guests to create their own pita lunches from products produced in Manitoba. Some of these pitas, prepared by Kostyshyn and selected dignitaries, were auctioned to the highest bidders with the proceeds going to the Manitoba Association of Food Banks.
“This event shows the diversity of Manitoba’s agriculture industry through the various ingredients and products showcased here today, and is an excellent example of our province’s ability to make exceptional products locally that feed Manitobans and the world,” said Kostyshyn.
Manitoba’s capacity for innovation and research is unique and one-of-a-kind in Canada, Kostyshyn said. He highlighted the province’s support to primary producers and entrepreneurs by investing in food commercialization and a ‘buy local’ marketing campaign to increase consumer awareness of Manitoba products.
In 2005, a unanimous all-party resolution was passed by the legislative assembly made to create an annual Agriculture Awareness Day to promote greater awareness of the contributions agriculture makes to this province and the important role that the agriculture industry plays as a key driver of the Manitoba economy.
