FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2010

CIGI HOSTS ANNUAL AGRICULTURE AWARENESS DAY FOR MANITOBA

Agriculture-based businesses contribute significantly to Manitoba's urban economies and demonstrate the valuable, long-standing relationship that exists with the province's agriculture industry, said Stan Struthers, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, at the sixth annual Agriculture Awareness Day held on March 16. This year’s event was held for the first time at the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) and included tours of its technical facilities.

"Winnipeg is a strong urban centre supported by a firm base of agricultural-related companies, ranging from farm-equipment manufacturers to food processors and grocery stores, and from grain companies and railways to international market-development organizations like the Canadian International Grains Institute," Struthers said. "Today we recognize the role that farmers and agriculture play in driving our urban and rural economies and their impact on the lives of all Manitobans."

He noted that one in nine jobs in Manitoba is related to the agriculture industry.

"Manitoba's agriculture generates tremendous value for this province through a positive balance of trade in commodities and food related products," said Earl Geddes, CIGI's Executive Director. "The programming that occurs at CIGI builds on the value and the market opportunity for many of Manitoba's crops and brings thousands of international customers to Winnipeg on an annual basis."

The event, which drew approximately 60 attendees, was planned by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, in co-operation with CIGI and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. "Throughout our city's history, the agricultural sector has always been one of the backbones of the local economy and the chamber is pleased to be able to recognize those businesses that continue to strengthen this industry," said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Dave Angus.

Agricultural Awareness Day was created in 2004 as a result of a unanimous resolution of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to recognize the critical role of producers in providing safe, plentiful and affordable food products and a wide diversity of products and services the public uses every day. The third Tuesday in March is now set aside for this celebration.

For more information contact:

Heather Johnson,
Communications Manager
Canadian International Grains Institute
Tel. (204) 983-7678
E-mail: hjohnson@cigi.ca

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