Frequent Questions

What is FDC and what are the services at FDC?

The Food Development Centre is a Special Operating Agency of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives(MAFRI). FDC houses a state-of-the-art pilot plant facility equipped with technology that is used by staff and clients in the value-added food, beverage, feed, ingredients and agricultural products processing industry.

FDC provides contract services in research and development, and commercialization to the value-added agricultural products industry in Manitoba. FDC assists clients in the development of products and refinement of processes for the food and beverage, ingredients, nutraceuticals and functional foods, feed and other agricultural products industries. FDC provides direct and sustainable support for the economic development of the value-added agri-food industry.

Projects at FDC are priced according to cost-recovery for materials, services and labour. Laboratory tests are priced on a fee-per-test basis with volume discounts available.  Each project involves different fee-based services which are outlined in detail in the project proposal that is drawn up for a client by a project leader at FDC. The pricing structure at FDC is designed to be competitive with that of comparable service providers in Manitoba. Contact FDC for information about the pricing structure.

What kinds of food does FDC produce?

• Three main areas that produce many projects at FDC are meat, grains and oilseeds and small fruits and berries.

• We have developed a wide range of products in these main areas including smoked meat products, sauces, spreads, beverages, and bakery items.

What else can be done at FDC?

How much does it cost to work with FDC?

What size of company will FDC work with?

Can I tour FDC?

I just have an idea. Can FDC help me?

FDC is always interested in new ideas and questions, regardless of which stage a client is in. By contacting FDC an individual or company is not committing to pursuing a project, nor to starting a business. The client will, however, gain valuable technical and business assistance for making well-informed decisions and for approximating whether a project idea is a viable business prospect. Contact FDC for help and information.

Which legislation must I comply with when pursuing a commercialization project?

The HACCP/Regulatory Affairs Co-ordinator and consultants at FDC assist clients in discerning which legislation they must comply with, including product labelling legislation, legislation for exporting a product, allowable ingredients and food safety requirements such as HACCP. FDC provides clients with the technical information required to fulfill regulatory obligations. Contact FDC for assistance.

Is funding available for my project?

FDC itself does not offer funding. However, FDC staff help clients to gain access to appropriate funding agencies and programs for financing their projects. There are many sources of financial assistance for agri-food businesses and entrepreneurs in varying stages of development, including the start-up stage. Contact FDC to discuss funding programs and which organizations administer them. Visit the MAFRI website for information about Financial Assistance and Funding Programs.

How does FDC protect intellectual property?

Client confidentiality is taken very seriously at FDC. All client information and discussions are held in strict confidence.  Security procedures within the Centre and when dealing with outside parties are designed to protect clients' identities and their project activities.

What is FDC licensed to do?

The FDC pilot plant is licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for meat and meat products and processed products, including honey packing. These federal registrations allow FDC clients to create products that are eligible for domestic and international export markets. Complying with the food safety system called HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points) is a major part of the mandatory regulatory practices that FDC adheres to. The FDC pilot plant is licensed by Health Canada for the processing of industrial hemp products. The FDC pilot plant is also licensed for adding value to dairy products and for processing elk products. Clients can be confident that products manufactured in the FDC pilot plant are processed according to the high safety and quality requirements that regulate Canada's agri-food industry. Contact the HACCP/Regulatory Affairs Co-ordinator at FDC for more information about licences and registrations in the pilot plant.