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. 

Cereals & Grains Association (CGA) is a global, nonprofit association of scientists and food industry professionals working to advance the understanding and knowledge of cereal grain science and its product development applications through research, leadership, education, technical service, and advocacy. The Cereals & Grains Association provides science-based approaches and responses to address current needs in the industry. They advise on industry standards and guidelines through:  

• comments on whole grain label statements  
• guidance on food allergens, food labeling, and nutrition with respect to gluten free foods 
• review and advice on health claims relating to the consumption of certain oat products to a reduced risk of CHD 

Membership to join Cereals & Grains Association is free! 

CGA and ProteinMB collaborate in the strategic areas of Information & Knowledge, Working Together, and Sustainable Protein the Industry.

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)

ProteinMB has launched a survey to better understand the regulatory environment in Manitoba’s agri-food system and it’s impact on the protein industry. Our goal is to influence the adjustment of regulations and policies to be more supportive of growth of the sustainable protein industry. Click here to provide your input

Innovation (IN)

The Food Innovation and Research Studio (FIRSt) at George Brown College and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (Food Centre) announced a strategic partnership aimed at driving growth and innovation in Canada’s food and beverage sector. This collaboration will provide agri-food companies of all sizes with enhanced, value-added support to navigate complex innovation challenges, bringing fresh ideas and products to market. Read the full news release here

Workforce (WF)

Manitoba Career and Workforce Development month is November

This month is an opportunity for youth, educators, parents, and job seekers to find out about the rich variety of sectors and industries in Manitoba. It is also a forum for businesses associations, non-profit agencies, service providers, schools, adult learning and literacy centres, and post-secondary institutions to connect with each other and share information about the jobs, programs, and services available. 

Event calendar for November: https://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?crd=provincialgovtofmanitoba&nolog=1&cid%5b%5d=all&jsenabled=1&winh=1017&winw=2048&inifr=false 

November is also Canada Career Month! Agriculture in the Classroom, in collaboration with its ten provincial partners, is offering innovative career programs that connect youth to the diverse opportunities within the agriculture and agri-food sector. 

Measurement, Monitoring, Verification (MMV)

ProteinMB hosted Tarra Drevet, the new Executive Director of the Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking, to share the latest framework updates and opportunities. Attendees participated in a roundtable discussion and got the chance to meet with Tarra and ask questions about the index. 

Branding, Marketing & Communication (BMV)

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) held their annual Public Trust Summit on October 23rd and 24th. This summit brings together stakeholders from across the food system to foster dialogue, collaboration, and transparency. It is the platform in which they launch their annual Public Trust Research, providing key insights into Canadians’ perception of the food system. Read the full report here

Finance (FI)

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is launching its inaugural NextGen Food Innovators Program. The program aims to accelerate the pre-competitive development of promising technology into a new venture. Students who are interested in entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply. 

The Global Centre of Indigenomics hosted their Indigenomics NOW event which was held online over a 24hr period. This event highlighted Indigenous economic knowledge systems and Indigenous sustainable economic leadership. 

Information & Knowledge (IK) 

The CGA Prairie chapter and ProteinMB hosted a Cereals & Grains night. Attendees got to observe a panel discussion, ask questions, and network. The panel consisted of Dr. Rotimi Aluko of the University of Manitoba, Jillian Einarson from ProteinMB and was facilitated by Melonie Stoughton. 

Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research (RCFTR) held a Food Technology and Research Day which was open to all industry professionals and featured speaker from across university, government, and industry on food ingredient testing, processing, and applications.  

Soil, Ecosystems & Biodiversity (SE)

Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association held their 7th annual Regenerative Ag Conference in Brandon, MB. The conference featured national and international keynote speakers, a trade show with opportunities to engage with vendors and a silent auction. Topics included ranch management, biodiversity and regenerative ag, holistic management, and building resiliency in agriculture. 
 

Prairies Can Funding – Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) 

The funding will support eligible businesses to take their AI projects and technologies from the lab to the marketplace. Funding is also available to not for profits organizations supporting businesses to develop, demonstrate and commercialize their AI applications and solutions. 

Application deadline: December 31, 2028 
For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-artificial-intelligence-initiative.html 

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit fund  

FCC is giving $1.5 million to 82 community groups across Canada to support rural capital projects. The FCC AgriSpirit Fund awarded between $10,000 - $25,000 to various community improvement initiatives to residents in cities, towns or Indigenous communities with fewer than 150,000 people 

Applications are closed but will re-open in spring of 2025. 
For more information: http://fccagrispiritfund.ca/

Protein Industries Canada (PIC)

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) has an open call for projects to explore blending of pulses and cereals to create new ingredients and food products. PIC is currently accepting EOIs and are looking to invest $10 million into projects. EOIS may be submitted until January 16 2025. Interested consortiums are encouraged to visit the Technology Leadership Program page for more information 

PIC + Innovate UK announce two join projects to advance innovation in plant-based ingredients and food 

PIC and Innovate UK, along with their consortium members, are investing $5.7 million into two collaborative R&D projects that advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and food on both sides of the Atlantic 

Project titles are:  

• Integration of animal-free collagen to enhance plant-based foods and pet nutrition  

• Building a more nutritious future with Canadian Proteins

• https://www.proteinindustriescanada.ca/news-releases/innovateuk-pic-two-collaborative-projects 

Red River College (RRC) has a newly established Price Institute and Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT).

This center is a gateway to applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for small and medium-scale enterprises in Manitoba and beyond. CAMTT forms a nexus of industry and academic partners that encourages collaboration to drive advancement through innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector. Their network of talent is eager to put their expertise, leading-edge facilities and technology to work. They collaborate with industry to help their partners by: 

• Bridging gaps in manufacturing and mechatronics 

• Facilitating adoptive leverage of industry 4.0, including automation, additive manufacturing, AI and robotics 

• Accelerating the transfer of technologies and solutions that we develop 

• Reskilling and upskilling existing workforce 

• Attracting new talent. 

Holistic Management Canada’s (HMC) Regenerative Accelerator Program 

HMC will be selecting ten farms across Manitoba to participate in the Regenerative Accelerator Program. These farms will get planning support, project expertise, project funding, and access to science-based data. 

HMC is looking for farmers that: 

• have an understanding of the principles of regenerative farming 

• have a passion for ecological improvement 

• have a desire to learn and support the learning of fellow farmers 

• have some experience with Holistic Management training or practices 

Deadline to apply is November 30th 2024 
Application Form 

Resiliency and Public Trust Pre-Approved Food Safety & Traceability Equipment Program

Funding to assist in the purchase of pre-approved common equipment used to monitor and control food safety parameters and to improve traceability systems.'

Eligible Applicants are:

• 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

Application deadline: Jan. 23, 2025 
For more information, click here

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. 

Share With Us Your Red Tape In the Protein Sector

ProteinMB is requesting your assistance in gathering input to help grow your business.  We aim to better understand the regulatory environment in Manitoba’s agri-food system and it’s impact on the protein industry. Our goal is to influence the adjustment of regulations and policies to be more supportive of growth of the sustainable protein industry. Share your input by participating in our survey

Help improve Manitoba’s Freight and Cargo Ecosystem - Survey 

This seven-minute survey will help us identify potential transportation challenges and inform advocacy efforts by EDW and other partners to ensure Winnipeg remains a strong transportation hub for businesses like yours. This survey is meant for the person in your organization who handles product transportation and planning (e.g., logistics, supply chain, operations leader, or similar). If that's not you, kindly forward this email and the survey link below to the appropriate contact.  To thank you for your time and input, if you complete the survey by December 1st, 2024, your name will be entered into a draw to win a $500 gift card for Air Canada.   
 
Important: The survey must be completed in one session. Exiting before submitting will result in losing any entered responses, and the survey will need to be restarted.   

TAKE THE SURVEY: https://ca1se.voxco.com/S2/291/EDWOpenlink/ 

For questions about the survey or more information about the transportation and distribution ecosystem in Manitoba, contact Brenden Lawrence, Business Development Manager at Economic Development Winnipeg, by email at brenden@yeswinnipeg.com or phone at 204-954-1974  

Leveraging Ecosystems to transform Agriculture on the Prairies (LEAP) Potential Farmer Collaborators 

LEAP is currently recruiting farmers to participate in an on-farm study to determine how land management and site properties affect sustainability goals, including net-zero agriculture, biodiversity protection, and productivity. They want to collect information and samples from field with different type of management history, ranging from only annual crops to only perennial crops. They are particularly interested in the "in-between" fields - those that have some diversification or "perennialization" with cover crops, perennials in rotation, and other approaches. 

Interested? They want to hear from you! Click here. 

Upcoming ProteinMB Roundtables

We have two protein roundtables in upcoming in November:

• ProteinMB Roundtable: Byproducts
  November 25th  

• ProteinMB Roundtable: Innovation 
  November 26th  

Click here for more information about ProteinMB roundtables or contact info@proteinmb.ca

Events:

• AMM: Fall Convention – November 25-27, Winnipeg, MB  

• FCC Indigenous Agriculture Summit – November 26-27, Regina, SK  

• MB Watershed Conference – December 2-4, Brandon, MB 

• Grow Canada Conference – December 3-5, Ottawa, ON 

• Early Career Research Day – December 12, Winnipeg, MB 

• FAB MB 2024 Holiday Mixer – December 12, Winnipeg, MB 

• CME Manufacturing Roundtable - December 13, Winnipeg, MB

• CME Embracing Excellence – June 9-12 2025, Winnipeg, MB