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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Check out the cool Chefs of locally grown foods

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (second from right) joined three top chefs who competed to create the best Manitoba Omelette from local produce in honour of the eighth annual Agriculture Awareness Day. This year’s theme ‘The Changing Face of Agriculture’ focused on farmers as producers and business managers use science and technology to increase production and extend their market reach. L to R: Chef MJ Feeke – Benjamin’s Gourmet Foods;Chef Justin Bohemier – La P’tite France; MAFRI Minister Ron Kostyshyn; Chef Rob Thomas – Breakfast Television

March 20, 2012

AG AWARENESS DAY 2012 CELEBRATES THE CHANGING FACE OF AGRICULTURE

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Science, Technology Help Farmers Improve Production, Compete in World Markets: Kostyshyn

The face of agriculture is changing every day and producers across the province are adapting and finding new, innovative ways to join industry partners participating in world markets, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn today said at the celebration of Agriculture Awareness Day 2012 at the Legislative Building.
“Today’s farmers are business owners, managing millions of dollars in equipment, land and infrastructure, while raising families and helping their communities grow,” said Kostyshyn.  “Business skills, along with science and technology, are the tools of their trade.  Today’s farmers are planting  crops with computerized seeders, using science to calculate crop nutrients and selling livestock over the Internet to breeders in Europe.” 
Agriculture provides 62,000 jobs to Manitoba’s economy and directly employs approximately 30,000 workers.  In 2010, agriculture contributed 4.2 per cent of Manitoba’s total gross domestic product (GDP) at the primary level.
Food processing, with $3.7 billion of goods and services generated in 2010, represents 25.5 per cent of manufacturing in Manitoba and contributes an additional two to three per cent to the province’s GDP.
To demonstrate the reach of agriculture, the Agricultural Awareness Day event included a competition to create the best Manitoba omelette.  The finished products included local products and produce, and focused attention on how the ingredients of an omelette can represent the combined revenue of the agriculture industry, a $10.1-billion economic driver including farm cash receipts ($4.83 billion), the food and beverage processing industry ($3.7 billion) plus the food service sector ($1.63 billion).
“Agriculture contributes to our lives and the economies of the world around us,” said Kostyshyn.  “From the food we eat to the airbags and biofuels in our vehicles and the amazing number of unexpected agri-products processed, developed and shipped to international markets, it all starts with a farmer.”
Agricultural Awareness Day was created by a unanimous resolution of the Manitoba legislative assembly in May 2004 to thank producers for providing safe, plentiful and affordable food products and recognize their role as key drivers of the provincial economy.   The third Tuesday in March is now set aside for this celebration.

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