Your monthly insight into the protein industry!
AUGUST 2024 PROTEINMB ASSOCIATE E-NEWS
ProteinMB is a voice and hub for sustainable protein. We work with the sector to implement the collaborative Manitoba Protein Advantage (MPA) Strategy Action Framework.
The ProteinMB Associate E-News is your go-to source for Industry Updates and Trends, ProteinMB Engagement Opportunities, Event Listings, Funding Opportunities, Resources and updates on the implementation of the Manitoba Protein Advantage (MPA) Action Framework.
Hello ProteinMB Associate,
ProteinMB is pleased to release the What We Heard Reports from the ProteinMB Executive Forum, Navigating Research Partnerships Forum and Water and Wastewater Forum that include key insights to drive the sustainable protein industry forward.
Throughout July and August, we had the opportunity to engage with ProteinMB Associates onsite to film content for a new docu-style video that will showcase the diverse ecosystem of our Associates. The team participated in ongoing meetings with the protein ecosystem, including meetings with Pulse Canada and PAMI to identify synergies and collaboration opportunities. We held an Indigenous Roundtable meeting to identify synergies and Indigenous engagement in our collaborative work to advance the implementation of the 10 strategic areas of sustainable protein. We were pleased to participate in Manitoba 4R Day at Innovation Farms and an event at Sapphire Springs with the Icelandic Delegation to Manitoba.
ProteinMB had the privilege of participating in the 2024 Food Matters Manitoba Grow North Gathering. The Gathering brought together diverse Indigenous communities at a Culture Camp outside of Norway House to celebrate, learn, grow, and harvest. We built meaningful community connections and engaged in hands-on learning of traditional protein harvesting practices.
ProteinMB launched Sustainable Protein Consortiums in August. The inaugural meeting was held on August 14 at Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods with participation of nine diverse Manitoba protein processors. We are excited to see how this consortium will contribute to industry innovation and sustainability!
Stay tuned for new engagement pathways, the launch of the ProteinMB video and new digital content, an updated ProteinMB website, and more! I hope you can join us on September 19 for an upcoming webinar during Manitoba’s Farm and Food Awareness Week that highlights ProteinMB’s Indigenous Strategic Road Map.
Thank you for being a part of ProteinMB. Together, we’re driving the future of sustainable protein.
- Best,
- Jillian Einarson
- Managing Director, ProteinMB
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANITOBA PROTEIN ADVANTAGE ACTION FRAMEWORK
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.
Sustainable Protein: The Industry
ProteinMB facilitated the launch of the first Sustainable Protein Consortium on August 14, bringing together nine diverse protein processing companies at Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods.
The insights gathered at the June 17 Executive Forum have been compiled into the What We Heard Report, providing a overview of the industry's barriers to growth.
Policy and Infrastructure
Following the June 27 Water Forum, ProteinMB has compiled the feedback into the What We Heard report, offering valuable insights to develop advocacy, events or services in the protein sector as it pertains to the results of the wastewater processing study carried out for ProteinMB, water issues and opportunities.
Innovation
The June 18 Navigating Research Partnerships Forum provided crucial input, which ProteinMB has summarized in the What We Heard report. This report highlights key opportunities for driving innovation through collaborative research.
Working Together
ProteinMB partnered with Prolex Media to film footage for the upcoming docu-style video that will showcases the diverse ecosystem of our Associates. Filming in July featured Richardson Centre for Food and Technology, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, and Food Matters Manitoba, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the industry.
As part of our ongoing commitment to engage in opportunities to understand, respect, and be true to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, ProteinMB participated in the 2024 Grow North Gathering hosted by Food Matters Manitoba. [Click here to read more.]
To foster greater Indigenous representation within ProteinMB, we facilitated an Indigenous Roundtable. This event aimed to explore opportunities for board representation, identify community involvement in the value chain, address barriers to engagement, and review ProteinMB’s Indigenous Strategic Road Map.
EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENT
Save the Date: September 19 ProteinMB Webinar on the Indigenous Strategic Roadmap.
Join us on September 19 at 10:00am – 11:00am during Manitoba’s Farm and Food Awareness Week to learn about ProteinMB’s Indigenous Strategic Roadmap. The webinar will provide an overview of the Indigenous Strategic Roadmap for ProteinMB and will feature presentations from Indigenous community leaders advancing sustainable protein. More details will be available soon. Click here to save your spot
Manitoba Farm and Food Awareness Week 2024
Every year the week beginning on the third Monday in September is known as Manitoba Farm and Food Awareness Week. The purpose of the week is to encourage activities to promote Manitoba farms, Manitoba food and other products of farming carried on in Manitoba.
Join ProteinMB's "Sector Spotlight" campaign!
We invite all ProteinMB Associates, that’s you reader, to submit photos that highlight the diverse proteins and innovative work across Manitoba’s protein sector. Whether you’re involved in plant-based proteins, animal proteins, or alternatives, we want to see your contribution from farm to fork.
Send your photos to info@proteinMB.ca or tag us on social media to be featured and entered to win a ProteinMB Yeti Rambler.
Encourage your network to become ProteinMB Associates by subscribing to our evolving E-News. Subscribers receive updates on our progress, initiatives, and industry insights, staying informed about the latest developments in the sector.
Learn, share and grow your network at these upcoming industry events!
Manitoba Agriculture is considering a display booth at the upcoming Bridge 2 Food North America event in Minneapolis, October 8-10. This would include several stand-up meeting tables, a Manitoba display, promotional video running at the booth and linked to the online portion of the event as well as an area to display company materials. We are looking to gauge the interest of companies and organizations in the plant and alternative protein spheres that would like to attend the event with us as part of a Manitoba delegation.
Registration for the event is $1495 USD and regular is $1995 if attending as an individual. We would be offering spots to companies to participate as part of a Manitoba delegation at a reduced rate (cost TBC). Companies would be able to use the meeting area, display their materials and attend the event as a full participant. We hope to finalize the cost to companies by late August. Companies would be responsible for their travel, hotels, and meals other than those provided at the event.
Grant Carlson, Industrial Development Consultant with Manitoba Agriculture is coordinating this initiative. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Grant at Grant.Carlson@gov.mb.ca.
Food and Beverage: EAL Certified Food Handlers Training
- August 23 & 26, 2024
- Winnipeg, MB
Protein Industries Canada: 2024 AGM
- September 10, 11
- Saskatoon, SK
INDUSTRY NEWS
PAST EVENTS
2024 Grow North Gathering
ProteinMB participated in the 2024 Grow North Gathering, hosted by Food Matters Manitoba. Food Matters Manitoba is dedicated to creating a sustainable food system rooted in justice, drawing on traditional knowledge, fostering community agriculture, and supporting community-owned distribution. Click Here to read more
4R Day
Our team had the pleasure of attending Manitoba 4R Day at Innovation Farms last week. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore cutting-edge practices. The event also highlighted the strong partnerships within the agricultural community, particularly with the opening of the Innovation Farms Centre and the renewed collaboration with Farm Credit Canada. We’re excited to see how these advancements will continue to shape the future of digital agriculture in Manitoba. Click here to read more
FUNDING OPPORTUNITES
Canadian Food Innovation Network's Innovation Booster
The Canadian Food Innovation Network's Innovation Booster provides up to $50,000 in cost-shared funding to SMEs for food innovation projects. Applications for the current intake are open until August 23, 2024, with projects required to start by September 1, 2024, and end by March 31, 2025. This funding helps companies advance research and bring innovative food products to market. For more details and to apply, visit the CFIN Innovation Booster webpage
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP) is open for intake in the following program area:
Resiliency and Public Trust Pre-Approved Food Safety & Traceability Equipment Program
Application deadline: Jan. 23, 2025
For more information, click here
Agri-Assurance Program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Assurance Program can help small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make verifiable claims about their products and meet export requirements for international markets. This program can help businesses stand out from the competition and expand their market reach.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2027, or until funding is fully committed.
For more information and the Agri-Assurance Program, click here.
Grow Your Business Online Grant
This program will help small businesses take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital challenges.
For more information, click here.
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