Cereals Canada is advancing the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) with two major developments: securing a downtown Winnipeg site through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with James Richardson & Sons, Limited (JRSL), and announcing new funding support from the Province of Manitoba.
The province has committed an additional $10.5 million to the project, bringing its total pledge to $23.5 million. The investment accelerates progress toward Gate, a $102-million, state-of-the-art facility designed to position Canada at the forefront of global cereals innovation.
“I would like to thank the province for its continued support of Gate, and Premier Wab Kinew for championing this project over the last nine months,” said Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada. “Today’s announcement puts us another step closer to getting shovels in the ground at a critical time for Canadian agriculture.”
Under the MOU, Richardson Centre will provide an in-kind contribution of land at the corner of Lombard Avenue and Westbrook Street, near Winnipeg’s historic Portage & Main intersection. The site, long identified as the preferred location for Gate, will anchor the project pending the successful completion of the capital campaign.
“Securing what we previously identified as the most desirable site for Gate is a significant step forward, and we are deeply appreciative of James Richardson & Sons for their generosity,” said Dias. “Together, we are building the foundation for a project that will support Canada’s grain competitiveness well into the future.”
The agreement signals JRSL’s commitment to Gate’s broader vision: creating a world-class hub for collaboration, innovation and market development that supports Canada’s leadership in the global cereals sector.
“Our family has been in the grain industry since 1857, and we appreciate the importance of the work that Cereals Canada performs to help expand and diversify export markets for the grain that Canadian farmers produce. We also believe that the heart of downtown Winnipeg, which is home to many of Canada’s leading agriculture companies and institutions, is the natural location for the Gate. We’re proud to contribute to a vision that advances the industry, as well as the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg,” said Thor Richardson, President of James Richardson & Sons.
“The global trade environment upon which our grain industry depends is more challenging than ever, and we believe that by supporting Gate, we are helping ensure that Canadian agriculture and farming communities continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Gate is being developed by Cereals Canada as a national platform for research, training and international collaboration, connecting science, policy and markets to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Canada’s cereals industry.
The Gate Capital Campaign, led by former Manitoba senator JoAnne Buth, has now raised $42.65 million toward its fundraising goal, including the province’s latest investment and the in-kind land contribution from JRSL.
“On behalf of the cabinet, I would like to extend gratitude to JRSL and the Richardson family for their support and leadership,” said Buth, Gate Capital Campaign Chair. “The signing of the MOU demonstrates tremendous commitment to the community, grain sector and the future of Canadian agriculture.”
Buth also highlighted the role of government leadership in advancing the project.
“On behalf of the cabinet, I would like to thank Premier Kinew for recognizing Gate as a priority project that positions Manitoba as a nucleus for grains innovation and benefits the whole of Canadian ag. We look forward to seeing other governments join Manitoba and make their own investments in Gate.”
