Your Views are Wanted

August 7, 2014

MANITOBANS INVITED TO SHARE VIEWS ON SMALL-SCALE, LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING

Manitobans are encouraged to share their views about small-scale food production and processing at three upcoming public consultations or through an online survey, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Small-scale production, processing and direct-farm sales open new markets for farmers and entrepreneurs across the province,” said Minister Kostyshyn.  “We want to hear from Manitobans about their business ideas, potential opportunities, challenges they face and their understanding of the role of government, while keeping food safety our top priority.  I encourage everyone with an interest in direct-farm sales, locally produced and processed food to participate.”

The consultations are being led by the Small Scale Food Manitoba working group, which was announced by the Manitoba government this past spring and is led by Dr. Wayne Lees.

In addition to consultations with industry groups and other stakeholders, the following public consultations will be taking place:

• Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the St. Norbert Community Hall, 3450 Pembina Hwy.;
• Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the St. Viators Parish, 307 Whitmore Ave. E, Dauphin; and
• Thursday, Aug. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Classroom A of the Brandon Ag Centre, 1129 Queens Ave., Brandon. 

Manitobans unable to attend these sessions can submit their views through an online survey available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-and-ag-processing/small-scale-food-manitoba.html.  Online submissions will be accepted until Sept. 15.

The minister said the goals of the Small Scale Food Manitoba working group are to:

• describe the small-scale food production and processing sector in Manitoba including the types of food produced, the areas of the province where this production and processing takes place, the economic and social impact of this sector and why entrepreneurs engage in small-scale production/processing;
• characterize the benefits of small-scale food production and processing in Manitoba;
• lead conversations across Manitoba to assist established, new and potential small processors and direct-farm marketers to move forward and take advantage of market opportunities; and
• ensure food safety remains the top priority for all Manitobans.

 

For more information or to register for the public consultations, emailsmallscalefoodmb@gmail.com  or call 204-821-5322.

There are more than 250 food-processing companies in Manitoba, making it the largest manufacturing sector in the province, Minister Kostyshyn noted.

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