The Manitoba government will be developing a first-of-its-kind sustainable protein strategy, ensuring Manitoba producers are well positioned to remain leaders in plant and animal protein development in the face of increased global demand, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon.
“Our strategy will seek to grow livestock herds for animal protein and new acres for plant protein, while ensuring our province remains a strong environment for investment and that our government is attuned to the needs of producers.”
Key priorities of the strategy are increasing livestock processing, ensuring that pig supply matches processing capabilities, increasing the beef-breeding herd, continuing to develop the sheep industry, new investments in new plant protein extraction, and positioning Manitoba as a leading research and development centre for plant protein extraction technology.
The strategy will also maintain the Manitoba government’s focus on creating an environment for and attracting investment while supporting research and innovation, and reducing red tape that hampers the growth and development of the agriculture industry.
The consultation paper, Manitoba Protein Advantage, will be available on Feb. 1 at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture, with extensive consultations to follow. The final strategy will be presented at the Manitoba Protein Summit in September.
