July 7, 1997


             TWO RED CHAIRS EXAMINES
          MOVING PRODUCTION TO MANITOBA

A study to determine the feasibility of the production of wild
fruit preserves will be funded in part through the Rural
Economic Development Initiative (REDI), Rural Development
Minister Len Derkach has announced.

Manitoba entrepreneur Barrie Woods is already in the early
stages of producing and marketing wild fruit preserves.  His
company, Two Red Chairs, currently processes the fruit in
South Dakota, but wants to move production to the Food
Development Centre (FDC) in Portage la Prairie.  REDI will
provide a maximum of $2,500 towards the study.

"This project offers a potential of capitalizing on a natural
resource in our province," said Derkach.  "Based on his market
testing to date, Mr. Woods believes there is a significant
market for this product, and by moving production to the FDC,
start-up costs will be reduced and the FDC can facilitate
proper product development and marketing."

The business is expected to create three full-time jobs in
rural Manitoba. The feasibility study is expected to be
completed by summer.

Funding for the study is provided under REDI's Feasibility
Studies Program which assists rural business ventures in
accessing research and planning information.  REDI offers a
variety of programs to assist rural communities and
entrepreneurs seize new opportunities for economic growth.

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