Manitoba Pork Council (MPC) announced it will donate an additional $150,000 to help the University of Manitoba build the one-of-a-kind Glenlea Farm Education Centre, which is expected to attract up to 30,000 visitors per year. The centre will be constructed at the site of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment, located just south of Winnipeg.
“We see great value in enhancing awareness of all agriculture, especially hog farming,” says Karl Kynoch, Chairman of Manitoba Pork Council. “We believe the farm education centre will provide the public with a closeup view of how Manitoba hog farmers really operate – caring for our animals, providing quality pork, and protecting the environment. Having the education centre right at the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment means people can also see for themselves how Manitoba farmers are making innovation happen in these key areas.”
The centre will feature interactive displays for the public to learn about the many aspects of food production and processing, from farming practices to retail sales.
“The University of Manitoba is committed to its role as a community educator,” says Dr. Michael Trevan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Chair of the Glenlea Farm Education Centre planning committee. “We appreciate the Manitoba Pork Council’s support in creating the first hands-on educational centre in Canada to highlight sustainable agricultural practices and the production of safe and healthy food.”
Local companies Cultural Visions and Number 10 Architectural Group are providing project management and building design services. The new Centre is expected to open in early 2010.
MPC has already committed more than $600,000 to the Glenlea Farm Education Centre.
