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 Prairie Fava!

The momentum behind fava is building, and Prairie Fava is leading the way. Founded in 2015 by Hailey Jefferies, alongside her husband and fifth-generation seed farmer Cale Jefferies, the company was born from a vision to make food more nourishing and agriculture more sustainable. Today, Prairie Fava is taking bold steps to simplify the supply chain, preserve ingredient quality, and ensure transparency from seed to shelf.

By investing in seed genetics, supporting farmers, adapting processing methods, and developing their own products, Prairie Fava is creating a strong, stable foundation for the future of fava in food and farming. The fava bean isn’t just a nutritional powerhouse—it’s a soil-enriching, climate-smart crop that meets the growing demand for whole, plant-based foods.

Prairie Fava’s holistic approach, rooted in innovation and deep agricultural knowledge, is helping position fava as a key ingredient in future-forward food systems. As more growers and makers turn to sustainable solutions, Prairie Fava is showing what’s possible when you lead with purpose.

ProteinMB and Prairie Fava collaborate in the strategic areas of Working Together, Soil, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, and Sustainable Protein: The Industry.

We are proud to have Prairie Fava as an associate!

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.

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.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Innovation (IN)

EMILI's Digital Ag Table

ProteinMB joined EMILI at Innovation Farms for the June 4 Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table meeting. It was a great morning of collaboration and conversation around the future of ag innovation. Attendees heard updates from EMILI, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba, Keystone Agricultural Producers, and the University of Manitoba’s Extended Education program—spotlighting exciting initiatives like the Amazing Agriculture Adventure and the Career Pathways Program.

Special thanks to speakers Christine Kulas (AITC-M), Yvonne Kinley (U of M), and Colin Hornby (KAP) for sharing their insights. 

Measurement, Monitoring, & Verification (MMV)

CFIN Webinar "Sustainability in Food – Practices and Progress"

Join CFIN on Thursday, July 10 from 12:00–1:00 PM CDT for their next session in their Unpuzzling webinar series: Sustainability in Food: Practices and Progress. This one-hour event will explore how leading organizations are successfully implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies that deliver measurable impact in the food sector. Panelists will share proven approaches to decarbonization, process efficiency, and responsible sourcing—demonstrating that ESG is much more than a reporting requirement. You'll gain tactical insights into reducing waste, using resources more efficiently, and advancing your sustainability goals. The session will be moderated by Tyson MacInnis, CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director, and will feature expert speakers including Brett Wills (CarbonOne), Dave Fox (Quantify Environmental), and Mats van Kleef (Enviro-Stewards)

For more information and to get tickets, please click here.

ProteinMB Previews Value Chain Mapping tool at Embracing Excellence 2025

At the 2025 Embracing Excellence Conference on June 11, ProteinMB showcased its innovative approach to supporting the Monitoring, Measurement, and Verification (MMV) strategic area. Through an adapted version of Lean Value Stream Mapping, ProteinMB introduced the Value Chain Map Initiative—a tool traditionally used for process improvement, now reimagined to assess value through a sustainability lens. This expanded approach considers not only financial efficiency but also the needs of people and the environment, offering a holistic way for organizations to identify and act on opportunities for sustainable impact across the protein value chain.

Sustainable Protein: The Industry (SP)

Sustainable Protein Consortium of Food Processors 

On June 11, the Sustainable Protein Consortium of Food Processors held its monthly meeting in conjunction with the 2025 Embracing Excellence Conference. By participating in this national gathering of Canada’s Lean community, Consortium members gained exposure to innovative practices, industry-leading insights, and practical tools to support sustainable growth. The event also provided an opportunity to tap into the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) network—building valuable connections that strengthen the protein processing sector across Manitoba and beyond.

Interested in joining this dynamic and solutions-focused group?
Contact us at info@proteinmb.ca to get involved.

Workforce (WF)

Building a Solid Foundation: Infrastructure and Workforce Attraction and Retention

On May 30, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) hosted a webinar for their fourth installment of their National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing information series. CAHRC's Executive Director, Jennifer Wright, was joined by industry leaders to discuss how rural infrastructure plays a role in attraction and recruitment in agriculture.

To watch the webinar, please click here.

University of Manitoba Extended Education - Certificate in Management of Agribusiness Operations

The University of Manitoba’s Extended Education has launched a new Certificate in Management of Agribusiness Operations, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Designed to support Manitoba’s growing agriculture and agri-food sector, the program equips learners with essential knowledge and skills in management, operations, and leadership. Whether students are starting or advancing their career, this program helps students learn the business of agriculture—from farming to processing and distribution.

To learn more about the new program, please click here.

Working Together (WT)

Embracing Excellence

This year’s Embracing Excellence conference, Canada’s largest Lean event hosted by CME, brought together hundreds of professionals for four days of impactful learning and connection. With engaging keynote speakers, 21 hands-on plant tours, and 36 practitioner-to-practitioner sessions, attendees explored how embracing continuous improvement and empowering people drives growth, resilience, and sustainability. Organized around four key value streams—Culture, Improvement, Technology, and Sustainability—the conference showcased real-world Lean success stories and offered actionable insights for organizations across manufacturing, public, and service sectors.

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) AGM

Join PIC in Winnipeg on September 24, 2025 for their Annual Conference & General Meeting—Harnessing Global Demand: Growing Canada’s Ingredient Manufacturing Sector for a Resilient, Sustainable Future. As the world shifts toward healthier, plant-forward food systems, Canada is poised to lead with its high-quality crops, innovation, and trusted supply chain. This conference will explore how we can seize that opportunity, through global market insights, investment strategies, trade pathways, and innovation models that elevate Canadian ingredients on the world stage.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Manitoba Government Investing $18.5 Million Toward Making Manitoba An Epicenter For Research

The Manitoba government is investing an additional $5 million into Research Manitoba, boosting its 2025–26 budget to nearly $19 million. This historic investment strengthens Manitoba’s leadership in innovation by supporting research in AI, data, and emerging technologies. Oversight of Research Manitoba will now fall under the new Department of Innovation and New Technology, helping attract and retain top researchers while protecting made-in-Manitoba intellectual property.

Read the full news release here.

Manitoba Government Invests More Than $640,000 In Local Businesses

The Manitoba government is supporting nine local businesses through the Innovation Growth Program (IGP), providing up to $100,000 in cost-shared grants to help commercialize innovative products and accelerate growth. Over the next five years, these companies expect to create more than 100 full-time jobs and generate over $36 million in export sales. The next application intake deadline for IGP is June 30.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Protein Industries Canada launches $15 million in genomics and AI programs to strengthen Canada's Agri-food sector

Protein Industries Canada has announced $15 million in new federal funding to boost innovation in Canada’s agrifood sector. Focused on genomics and artificial intelligence, the investment will support projects that improve crop genetics, enhance on-farm productivity, and strengthen the plant-based food supply chain from farm to fork. These programs are designed to help Canada reach its $25 billion potential in sustainable ingredient manufacturing and agri-food growth.

For more information, please click here.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Capital Announces $2 billion Investment Into Ag and Food Innovation

FCC has committed $2 billion by 2030 to accelerate agtech innovation across Canada’s agriculture and food sector. Delivered through FCC Capital, its new investment arm, the funding will support early- to late-stage companies with direct investments and fund partnerships aimed at boosting productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness. In its first year, FCC Capital closed $170 million in direct deals and launched a new business accelerator. This bold move positions FCC as a catalyst in addressing Canada’s agtech investment gap and building a stronger innovation ecosystem.

For more information, please click 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: 

• Summer Fancy Food Show (SFFS) & Webinar - June 29 - July 1, New York, NY
• Manitoba Sustainable Research Symposium – July 7, Winnipeg, MB
• BAM AI Summit: Beyond ChatGPT - July 23, 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