May 2008

Mandate and Structure

The Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (ARDI) supports research and development projects in Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food industry.

• ARDI supports innovative research that will ultimately benefit the agricultural community and consumers of agri-food in Manitoba.

• ARDI supports the development of new technologies, production methods and markets, helping Manitoba stay competitive in the global economy.

ARDI is funded by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Policy Framework agreement.

ARDI is managed by a Program Council, an Administrator and Program Advisors.

Program Council

The Program Council is an independent committee consisting of 12 members.

The Chairperson is:

• David Gislason, a producer from Arborg

The eight appointed members are:

• Kelley Fitzpatrick, a nutritional consultant from Winnipeg
• Goldwyn Jones, a producer from Tilston
• Dr. Agnes Grant, an educational consultant from Winnipeg
• George Hacking, a realtor in the Selkirk area
• Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, associate vice-president (research) at the University of Manitoba and Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems
• Judy Kostyshyn, a credit union loans officer and cattle producer from Ethelbert
• Calvin Vaags, a producer from Dugald and owner of a retail meat operation in Winnipeg
• Roslyn Stewart, a producer and marketing specialist from Marquette

Two federal and two provincial government representatives sit on council as non-voting members, bringing ARDI's council membership to 12.

Responsibilities of Program Council include development of ARDI program objectives and policies, development of criteria for project assessment, and the prioritization and approval of eligible project proposals.

The Administrator

The day-to-day administration of ARDI is the responsibility of the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies (MAAS).  MAAS plays an important role in soliciting proposals, developing grant agreements with project leaders, and administering the disbursement of funds available from governments to successful program applicants.  MAAS also provides regular reporting on the status of approved projects.

Program Advisors

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives provides two Program Advisors to deliver advisory assistance to the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies and the Program Council.