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. 

Our Associate Showcase this week is Pitura Seeds

What began as a small family farm in Domain, MB in 1918, Pitura Seeds has grown into one of Western Canada’s most trusted names in pedigreed seed. 

Today, Pitura Seeds farms over 4,000 acres and contract produces more than 35,000 acres of high-quality cereals, pulses, and oilseeds. In 2019, they opened the largest family-owned seed processing facility in Western Canada—an investment that reflects their commitment to innovation, quality, and the future of Canadian agriculture.

Pitura Seeds continues to grow with purpose, delivering excellence across the seed value chain. We’re proud to feature them this month and celebrate their dedication to the industry we share.

ProteinMB and Pitura Seeds collaborate in the strategic areas of Soil, Ecosystem & Biodiversity, Sustainable Protein: the Industry, and Working Together.

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.

Branding, Marketing and Communications (BMC)

ProteinMB Associate Showcase

ProteinMB is committed to supporting and promoting the local protein industry. To amplify our industry, we’re continuing our Associate Showcase Campaign—a platform to highlight local protein businesses and create a hub for both the public and our industry.

If you’d like to be featured on our social channels, please complete the form below with the requested details. We’ll be sharing these highlights in the coming weeks!

We look forward to showcasing your business.

Get featured here.

Canada's Food System: Our Food. Our Future. Campaign

The Canadian Centre For Food Integrity (CCFI) has launched their campaign Canada's Food System: Our Food. Our Future. The campaign is a nationwide initiative that celebrates one of the country’s greatest strengths: the people, partnerships, and progress that make our food system a global leader.

Sign the pledge and show your support for Canada’s Food System. When you do, you’ll also be entered to win a $500 gift card to a Canadian grocery retailer of your choice. They choose a new winner every 30 days!

Visit the landing page and sign the pledge here.

Information & Knowledge (IK) 

5th Annual Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium

Join us on July 7, 2025, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg for this year’s Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium, Bridging Borders: Innovating Protein for a Global Future. This dynamic event will explore how innovation, collaboration, and technology are reshaping the global protein landscape. Attendees will enjoy a full day of keynotes, panel discussions, and trainee presentations on topics ranging from sustainable protein innovations and global trade to research-driven entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and the role of AI in food systems. The day will conclude with a powerful keynote on climate resilience and the future of protein. Student researchers will also showcase their work through engaging short talks and poster presentations. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with leaders from academia and industry—register by June 15 to take advantage of early bird pricing and save $20 with the promo code PROTEIN20!

For more information and to register, please click here.

Innovation (IN)

College-University Lab to Market Network Launches First Program

The RRC Polytech-led College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization has launched its first program: Technology Readiness Level Up (TRL^). The TRL^ Program offers training in commercialization and innovation, helping students and researchers take their work to market.

For more information, please click here.

Measurement, Monitoring, & Verification (MMV)

Value Chain Mapping Initiative

On May 23, ProteinMB was on location at Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation applying our Value Chain Mapping tool, a powerful step toward driving system-wide improvements across Manitoba’s protein sector.

Launching this fall, this initiative is designed to:

• Boost visibility across the protein value chain
• Identify and reduce waste
• Standardize measurement, monitoring, and verification (MMV) practices
• Highlight and celebrate best practices & innovation Explore new opportunities for a more sustainable, resilient future

This collaborative effort marks a key milestone in advancing sustainability, transparency, and innovation across the industry.

Connect with info@proteinMB.ca to get involved.

Sustainable Protein: The Industry (SP)

Business & Enterprise Support & Training (BEST)

Support Employment and Economic Development (Seed) Winning Inc.’s BEST program is offering a comprehensive series of 15, two-hour classes covering essential topics to help individuals and organizations start or expand small businesses.

For more information, please click here.

Complete Food Business Growth Course

Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development (FEAD) is offering a Complete Food Business Growth Course to support food and agri-processing female entrepreneurs and companies with tools, strategies, and insights needed to build, grow, and scale their businesses successfully in areas related to business development, marketing and financial planning.

For more information, please click here.

Sustainable Protein Consortium of Food Processors

On May 21, the Sustainable Protein Consortium of Food Processors came together at Bothwell Cheese for an inspiring day of connection and collaboration. Touring the production facilities and wastewater treatment plant, the group gained valuable insight into innovation in action.

We're proud to announce that our 2025–2026 Strategic Plan is now finalized with topics including:

June - Lean
September - Primary Ag (Scope 3)
October - Data Driving Change
November - Sustainability Indicators
December - Carbon Accounting
January - Technology: AI and Automation
February - By-Product Management
March - Safety

There’s still time to get involved with this dynamic and engaged consortium.
Reach out to us at info@proteinmb.ca to learn more

Working Together (WT)

Vision Quest

ProteinMB was proud to take part in the 28th Vision Quest Conference! As part of this dynamic event that celebrates and supports Indigenous business and economic development, we hosted a booth in the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Room, featuring an engaging “Guess the Flour!” game, where attendees tested their knowledge distinguishing between chickpea, yellow pea, and wheat flours. It was a fun and interactive way to connect with participants while highlighting the versatility of Manitoba-grown plant proteins. We were excited to be part of a gathering that fosters innovation, collaboration, and meaningful conversations around sustainable development.

Addressing Food Security and Expanding Opportunities for Indigenous Communities in Manitoba

Protein Industries Canada is co-investing in a transformative project aimed at addressing food insecurity and supporting Indigenous food sovereignty in Manitoba. In partnership with Red River College Polytechnic’s Prairie Research Kitchen, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the University of Manitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences, this initiative will explore agri-food opportunities to improve access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food in First Nation and Red River Métis communities. By creating community-specific recipes featuring plant-based ingredients, offering hands-on learning opportunities, and fostering local food production, the project will support long-term health outcomes, job creation, and Indigenous economic development—guided by a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that respects both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

For more information, please click here.

Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) Innovation Booster Program (IBP)

CFIN's IBP is designed to provide flexible and rapid support to Small or Medium Enterprises as they address food innovation challenges or technical hurdles that have created a barrier for achieving their commercialization goals.

• Intake Opens: July 7, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 12, 2025

For more information, please click here.

CME Spring 2025 Manufacturers Survey on the Impact of Canada–U.S. Trade Tensions

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is gathering input from manufacturers to assess the impact of recently imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, as well as the effects of Canada’s countermeasures. Your feedback will be essential in guiding CME’s advocacy efforts and shaping strategies to reduce the negative effects on your business and the broader manufacturing sector. Survey closes May 30th.

To take the survey, please click here.

In Search of Small-Scale Cheese Equipment

Manitoba is preparing to welcome a new small-scale cheese producer to one of its most iconic destinations! As part of this exciting development, we’re reaching out to our network: do you have small-scale cheese-making equipment for sale or know someone who does?

Let us know at info@proteinmb.ca —we’d love to connect you!

Industrial Processing Equipment For Sale

A range of high-quality, used industrial equipment is for sale. This is an excellent opportunity for industry partners to acquire reliable processing and packaging machinery at competitive prices. All equipment has been maintained to high standards and is ready for immediate integration into your production line.

For more details and to view the equipment available, please click here.

Intake Now Open: Sustainable CAP Market Development Program

Manitoba Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Market Development Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This program offers financial support for activities that boost interprovincial and international export capacity and improve trade access for agri-food and agri-product businesses. Eligible activities include market research, planning and training, product commercialization, and market development. The application deadline is 11:59 PM CST on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Made in Manitoba Program

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Made in Manitoba program—an initiative supporting local sourcing and supply chain resilience as part of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) Tariff Relief efforts in partnership with the Government of Manitoba. Similar to CME’s successful Ontario Made program, this new platform will showcase products and services proudly made right here in Manitoba. To make a strong debut, we’re asking for your help: if your company offers Manitoba-made products or services, please submit your information so we can feature them on the website ahead of the launch. 

To send your information, please email info@proteinmb.ca.

Manitoba Government Establishes Innovation and Productivity Task Force

The Manitoba government is establishing an Innovation and Productivity (IP) Task Force to provide strategic advice regarding the safe and secure implementation of new and emerging technologies to support the economy and promote data-driven decision-making

Read the news release here.

Manitoba Government Stepping Up to Complete Prairie Innovation Centre

The Manitoba government is providing $60 million in capital finding and a further $60 million in bridge financing to support Assiniboine Colleges new Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture which will expand workforce training opportunities and support the future of agriculture in Manitoba.

Read the news release here.

Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Break Down Interprovincial Trade Barriers, Proclaim June 1 as Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day

The Manitoba government has introduced Bill 47, the Fair Trade in Canada Act, aimed at reducing interprovincial trade barriers and boosting economic growth. The legislation promotes mutual recognition of goods and services between provinces and supports a stronger, more unified Canadian economy. It also proclaims June 1 as Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day, encouraging support for local businesses.

Read the news release here.

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

ProteinMB Facilitated Engagements

Roundtables

• Innovation - June 25 Register Here
• Indigenous - July (Date TBC) Register Here
• By-Products - September Register Here
• Commodity Group MMV - September Register Here

Working Groups 

• By-Products 
• Advancing Hog Barn Construction

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

Upcoming Events:

• Future Now Expo – May 28-29, Winnipeg, MB
• Navigating Tariff Risks: Essential Contract Considerations Webinar - May 29, Webinar
• EMILI Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table - June 4, Grosse Isle, MB
• Embracing Excellence – June 9-12, Winnipeg, MB 
• Summer Fancy Food Show (SFFS) & Webinar - June 29 - July 1, New York, NY
• Manitoba Sustainable Research Symposium – July 7, Winnipeg, MB
• Manitoba 4R Day At Innovation Farms - August 6, Grosse Isle, MB
• Protein Industries Canada AGM & Conference – September 24-25, Winnipeg, MB
• Pulse and Special Crops Convention – September 9-11, Whistler, AB
• Canadian Agri-Food & Rural Advisory, Extension, and Education (CARE) Conference - October 29-31, Guelph, ON
• CAMA Level Up Conference - November 5-7, Mississauga, ON
• CME Manufacturing Day on the Hill - November, 18, Ottawa, ON
• CME's 2025 National Manufacturing Conference - November 19 , Ottawa, ON