Brandon, Manitoba, January 16, 2013 – Manitoba food processors will have access to new and improved business planning tools to launch new products and grow their companies as a result of an investment from the Harper Government. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, along with Member of Parliament Merv Tweed (Brandon-Souris) today announced two innovative projects to boost commercialization of new products and expand food manufacturing in Manitoba.
“Our government remains focused on the economy, and Canada’s food processing industry is a major driver of jobs and economic growth across our country,” said Minister Ritz. “These projects will help industry to get their products on more store shelves in the global marketplace, boosting the bottom lines of our processors and our farmers.”
“The Harper Government knows that the agriculture sector is an important driver of Canada’s, and Manitoba’s economy,” said MP Tweed. “By investing in projects like the ones announced today, we are ensuring that Manitoba’s food processors and producers are able to take advantage of new and existing markets.”
A first investment of $300,000 to the Manitoba Food Processors Association (MFPA) will help entrepreneurs launch new processing businesses that create value-added food products by providing them with resource planning tools and the consultation services of a business development co-ordinator. The co-ordinator will work with a board comprised of specialists in product development, marketing, distribution, and business management, to determine a business’s development needs before drafting a marketing strategy.
The second investment of $141,666 will allow the MFPA to study the concept, feasibility and optimal development of a unique service centre designed to enhance the existing functional food and nutraceuticals research, processing and commercialization capacity available in the province. The Centre would also assist entrepreneurs with commercialization and marketing activities, while serving as a hub for the development of new research and packaging technologies in the province.
“The MFPA works with over 150 food processing companies in Manitoba. Our job is to create programs that assist entrepreneurs and existing businesses establish their operations and increase their competitive strength in the market,” said Dave Shambrock, Executive Director of the MFPA. “The support for these programs from the Minister and his department helps us move this agenda forward and will produce significant benefits for the entire industry, and for Manitoba”
This Harper Government investment is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that helps the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. In Manitoba, the regional component of this program is delivered by the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC).
For more information on Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, please visit agriculture.canada.ca/caap.
To learn more about Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, please visit www.mrac.ca.
To contact the Manitoba Food Processors Association, please visit www.mfpa.mb.ca.
