Welcome to Associate Showcase, where we highlight the incredible work of our diverse network of ProteinMB Associates. Each month, we will spotlight an organization or individual making waves in the sustainable protein ecosystem. From innovative practices to industry leadership, these showcases are a chance to celebrate and learn from the contributions of those driving positive change and shaping the future of sustainable food production. 

The month we are showcasing Made Safe.

Since its inception in 2016, Made Safe has been committed to providing top tier health and safety services to its members.  Previously, the Made Safe program existed as a safety initiative by the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) where it served the agricultural manufacturing sector.  On January 1, 2016, after identifying a lack of safety and health support services for the broader manufacturing industry in Manitoba, Made Safe assumed responsibility for the program.  A CME Manitoba initiative, Made Safe provides health and safety services designed specifically for the needs of the manufacturing work environment. In partnership with SAFE Work Manitoba, Made Safe makes it easier for employers and workers to ensure workplaces are safe and productive. 

Join Made Safe today and start your journey to a safer workplace. Based on your WCB rate code, you may be eligible for free training services! Gain access to top-tier safety training and certification programs tailored for the manufacturing industry. Since 2023, our members have saved over $2 million in WCB rebates through Safe Work Certification. Let’s work together to elevate your safety practices. Learn more: https://madesafe.ca/welcome-to-made-safe/ 

Manitoba’s Sustainable Protein Advantage strategy is comprised of Ten Strategic Areas of Sustainable Protein. These areas were developed as the Sustainable Protein Impact Map: A Collaborative Action Framework, which provides the strategic direction in how we will meet the industry’s ultimate goal.

Policy & Infrastructure (PI)

We are wrapping up our ProteinMB Survey on Regulations and Red Tape and will report back on the results in the new year.  Reach out if you have any questions or comments on the subject.  

Innovation (IN)

• MEIA (Manitoba Environmental Industries Association) held their annual Conference with some amazing speakers on topics such as PFAS and “forever chemicals”, sustainable and innovative Ag technologies from FuelPositive and Growcer.  We heard great business pitches from the candidates for the Green Dragon’s Lair Pitch competitions. The winner was TerraWave. Congrats to all the contestants! 

• On November 26, 2024, ProteinMB organized the Innovation Roundtable, bringing together a diverse mix of industry leaders, academic researchers, government officials, and support businesses. This event provided a platform to explore innovation opportunities in Manitoba and outline the next steps for collaboration. The Innovation Roundtable participants identified 2 working groups: 

1. IP Education/ Guidelines 
   • A collaborative effort to grow and strengthen the North Forge Elevate IP Program. 
2. Leveraging the CAFA Map 
   • A collaborative effort to expand the CAFA Map to include database of available funding programs as well as additional information that will add value and drive innovation. 

• At the 2024 MAWS Conference, the Manitoba Association of Watersheds provided an update on the Living Lab – Manitoba (LL-MB) project. This five-year, AAFC-funded initiative collaborates with agricultural producers, Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts, Indigenous groups, industry, and nonprofits to develop grassroots solutions that reduce agriculture's environmental impact. LL-MB focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sequestration, and protecting water resources through improved land and watershed management. Research conducted on local farms informs innovative agricultural practices and supports policy development for sustainable agricultural production. For more information: https://manitobawatersheds.org/llmb/#whatisll  

Information & Knowledge (IK) 

Indigenous Ag Summit held their 11th annual summit in Regina. The theme for the summit was Nourishing Nations and Empowering Generations. Highlights from the event included learning about the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Indigenous Agriculture Program at the University of Saskatchewan, hearing from professional agrologist Ken Bear and the opportunities for Indigenous Youth in Agriculture, and the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Youth Camp. 

Soil, Ecosystems & Biodiversity (SE)

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds hosted the 2024 Manitoba Watersheds Conference, highlighting the innovations needed to address unprecedented environmental changes affecting our watersheds. The conference celebrated successes, fostered community connections, and showcased new and emerging practices. It served as a platform for education and advocacy, emphasizing the critical role of natural infrastructure in protecting water resources and promoting the health of Manitoba’s soils, ecosystems, and biodiversity. 

Sustainable Protein: The Industry (SP)

• On November 25 2024, ProteinMB hosted the By-Products Roundtable, bringing together a diverse group of industry leaders, academic researchers, government representatives, and support businesses. The Roundtable served as a platform to explore the current landscape of by-products in Manitoba and identify next steps for collaboration. The group discussed: What is being done in the space of by-products, how to leverage the Manitoba By-Product Directory, and what would benefit from a coordinated effort. The group prioritized the following Working Groups with plans to scope in the New Year:  

1. Leveraging the By Products Directory
   A collaborative effort to grow and strengthen the By-Product Directory.  

2. By-Product Summit

   A collaborative planning committee to scope, plan, and facilitate an event dedicated to networking, learning, inspiring, and innovating by-product usage.  

• On December 12, ProteinMB’s Sustainable Protein Consortium of Protein Processors convened at Roquette to discuss Technology. The meeting focused on sharing successes, lessons learned, and best practices for implementing and optimizing technology within the protein sector. Participants explored strategies for leveraging technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in their operations. The next consortium meeting will take place at The Progressive Group of Companies, where the discussion will focus on sustainability measurement practices. 
   

• On December 5, the ProteinMB Value Chain Map Pilot Working Group convened to test a mapping tool. The group toured a breading facility, visualizing process steps to analyze sustainability indicators, by-products, and Made-in-Manitoba inputs. The pilot aims to assess the tool’s effectiveness in identifying opportunities for improvement within the protein supply chain. 
  As the pilot nears completion, preparations for engaging Associates will begin in the New Year, setting the stage for the next phase of this initiative. 

Working Together (WT)

• While at 2 conferences this month we learned of the past event in Manitoba’s Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (SVDN) Food, Agriculture, Climate Change, & Traditional Synergies (FACTS) Camp for engaging youth in agriculture and traditional indigenous practices. Highlights of the event were the Buffalo harvest, and tours of their grasslands restoration project, community garden and former residential school.  Watch the video for more information: Empowering the Next Generation: Sioux Valley Dakota Nation FACTS Camp Revitalizes Tradition | NCIAF 

New Investments Will Result in Agricultural Expansion 

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing in several major capital infrastructure and investment projects under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (SCAP) that will increase food processing capacity in Manitoba, allowing producers to sell more of their product locally and create more agricultural jobs. Through SCAP the governments are investing up to $15.4 million over four years to 70 projects through four streams of the Capital Infrastructure and Investments program. These projects support growth and expansion through capital investments in modernization activities that enhance efficiency, productivity and environmental sustainability...[Continue Reading] 

Food Safety & Traceability 

SCAP is providing funding to assist in the purchase of pre-approved common equipment used to monitor and control food safety parameters and to improve traceability systems. Funding requests will be accepted from now until 11:59PM on January 23, 2025. Eligible applicants include:  

• Agri-food processors 
• Agri-product processors 
• Distributors 
• Wholesalers 
• Indigenous Groups (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) including governments, individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and other Indigenous-led groups undertaking agricultural initiatives...[Continue Reading]  

New in-field artificial intelligence technology will enhance sustainability and efficiency from field to fork 

PIC announced an innovative new project in collaboration with Croptimistic Technology, TheoryMesh and C-Merak Innovations aimed at transforming the agri-food value chain through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The goal is to enhance food production efficiency, improve food quality and support sustainability goals from farm to food processor by improving existing precision agriculture tools to enhance data collection and integration at the sub-field level...[Continue Reading] 

Creating New Opportunity for Canadian-Grown and-processed Soy 

PIC has announced a new project with partners Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods and Flamaglo Foods to bring more soy processing home to Canada, while strengthening international market opportunities for soy products. Alinova Canada Inc., will lead the partners in developing and commercializing a new soy powder with a pilot-scale facility in Ontario. This project is expected to bring more value to the Canadian soybean crop...[Continue Reading]

Southwestern Manitoba First Nation welcomes bison back after more than a century 

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation gave Birdtail Sioux First Nation a herd of 11 bison, including a white female bison. They were delivered in a special ceremony Tuesday December 3rd. More than 100 community members — more than half of whom were students — welcomed the bison in a special ceremony. The two communities have been working together for about a year to help bring the bison to Birdtail. The animals are part of a larger strategy of supporting community youth through cultural teachings. Read more...[Continue Reading] 

Enns Brothers and Greenvalley Equipment (GVE) Join Forces to Boost Agricultural Education in MB 

Ag in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) has announced a new partnership with Enns Brothers and GVE, who have teamed up to provide a combined $75,000 investment for AITC-M’s Agriculture Career exploration program. This effort will help empower thousands of students across Manitoba to discover rewarding careers in the agriculture sector. 

Large Scale Projects

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) supports projects that strengthen community food security and increase the availability and accessibility of local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food through food production-focused activities for equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous and Black communities.

Application deadline: Jan. 13, 2025
For more information, click here

Reach out to info@proteinMB.ca for information on engagement opportunities. 

ProteinMB Facilitated Roundtables coming soon: 

• Information Knowledge Acquisition 

Indigenous Literacy Training CME

• Free to associates & CME members 

Challenge Competitions 

• We would love to hear of any challenge competitions going on! If your organization is hosting one, or if you hear of any outside of your organization, please let us know. 

Winnipeg Transit Forum

• CME Manitoba is hosting a forum in response to ongoing discussions with Winnipeg Transit regarding the new 2025 Transit System Map and its implications for industrial zones. The forum will focus on the alignment of transit schedules with the needs of manufacturers and industrial workers, particularly regarding service to areas with limited transit access.

Reach out to info@proteinMB.ca for information on engagement opportunities. 

Events:

Manitoba Beef & Forage Days 
January 7, Eriksdale, MB 
January 8, Austin, MB
January 9, Roblin, MB 

Manitoba Ag Days - January 21-23, Brandon, MB 

Career and Workforce Influencers Tours in Agriculture and Agri-Food Processing - January 22, Brandon, MB 

North Interlake Grain Day - January 29 , Arborg, MB 

Agrarians After Dark - February 1, Winnipeg, MB 

Indigenous Manufacturing Gathering – February 5, Winnipeg, MB  

Manitoba Swine Seminar – February 5-6, Winnipeg, MB 

Crop Connect – February 12-13, Winnipeg, MB 

CULTIVATE Sustainability Conference and Trade Show – March 13, Winnipeg, MB 

Embracing Excellence – June 9-12, Winnipeg, MB