The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $999,500 in a new research facility to support the province’s livestock producers in addressing production efficiency and environmental challenges.
Funding from the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) will assist the Manitoba Pork Council, working with the National Centre for Livestock and Environment (NCLE), in developing a new Byproducts Processing and Demonstration Facility at the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea Research Station.
“Our Government is pleased to support initiatives that help our livestock producers,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This Centre will conduct innovative research that will help position Manitoba as a leader in the treatment of agricultural byproducts.”
“Manitoba is helping livestock producers to become more competitive by investing in leading-edge research that will lead to the development of new technologies,” said the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade. “At the same time, this new initiative will also provide Manitobans with high-wage, high-skilled jobs at a time when they’re needed.”
The new research facility, which will complement the existing onsite NCLE facilities, will develop value-added products through handling and processing of agricultural byproducts.
Researchers will test and evaluate livestock byproduct treatment and management technologies in Manitoba’s climate. This will provide livestock producers with valid, objective information and reduce their risk in adopting new technologies. Ultimately, such enhanced byproduct management and new products will help the livestock industry address business challenges.
“Manitoba Pork Council is pleased to partner with the federal government and the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment once again,” said Karl Kynoch, Chairman of Manitoba Pork Council. “We anticipate that investment in research of this nature today will pay dividends for the swine industry and Manitoba’s environment in the future.”
The Manitoba Pork Council represents the province’s 800 hog producers and works closely with other livestock producers such as the Keystone Agriculture Producers and the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba.
“As a result of this partnership, the University of Manitoba will be able to increase its research and development activities in several areas of direct economic benefit to the province,” said Dr. David Barnard, the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “As well, the increased capacity of NCLE to train graduate students will mean that governments and industry alike will have greater access to highly skilled workers who can apply their expertise in this specialized field.”
Under the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement, Canada and Manitoba are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in western Canadian communities.
