May 02, 2003

Manitoba has hired a new co-ordinator to work with Aboriginal communities in developing agricultural opportunities, Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.

"I am pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Curtis Colon as our new Aboriginal Agriculture Initiatives Co-ordinator," said Wowchuk. "He will work with Aboriginal communities to help them take advantage of the many emerging economic opportunities within agriculture."

The co-ordinator will be responsible for developing and delivering agricultural initiatives through partnerships with Aboriginal communities. Duties will include raising awareness of and access to the province’s agriculture-related services through extension activities to Aboriginal communities.

Colon holds diplomas in community social development and Aboriginal community development from Assiniboine Community College in Brandon. His previous work experience includes being Aboriginal business service network co-ordinator for the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre and regional business development officer and program co-ordinator for Kitayan Community Futures Development Corporation. He is presently employed as a vendor development officer with the Procurement Services Branch of Manitoba Transportation and Government Services.

"Agriculture in Manitoba is a rapidly growing and evolving sector with many new opportunities for economic development emerging almost daily," said Wowchuk. "This continuing diversification offers a tremendous potential for future economic growth within Aboriginal communities. By working with interested communities, our co-ordinator can help explore the many possibilities and options of a strong agricultural sector."

The diversification of Manitoba’s agriculture and food sector is evident in many areas such as the expanding livestock industry and more non-traditional crops such as pulses, organic and nutraceutical commodities, vegetables and functional foods along with or in place of traditional grain crops.

Further opportunities exist in development of local food supplies for northern communities. The expanding variety of products combined with Manitoba’s advantages, which include modern infrastructure, skilled labour pool and low energy rates, could also support the development of value–added initiatives for economic growth in Aboriginal communities, said Wowchuk

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