Manitoba's Growing Agri-food Industry

Growing Opportunities

• Functional foods and nutraceuticals – Manitoba is home to one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of private label vitamins, minerals, herbal products, dietary supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Currently, the manufacturer imports most materials because local supply of semi-processed product is still developing. The opportunity exists for an intermediate processing facility and production of high-quality medicinal crops. Manitoba’s cluster of functional food experts can assist companies through all stages of product development from concept through clinical trials to product development and marketing. The cluster can coordinate interdisciplinary studies at the food-health interface employing world renowned scientists in state-of-the-art facilities.
  
  
• Manitoba is the focal point of the emerging natural fibre sector in Canada. Flax, wheat and hemp fibres are processed into environmentally friendly products.
  
  
• Wind is an emerging source of electricity in the province and the electricity generated provides a clean and efficient natural resource.
  
  
• Ethanol production is increasing as the province's ethanol mandate requires fuel suppliers in Manitoba to replace at least 8.5 percent of the gasoline available for sale, with ethanol. Ethanol is a high-octane, water free alcohol that is produced from renewable resources such as corn, wheat, straw and other bio-mass This mandate provides local market potential for 160 million litres (35 million imperial gallons) per year, using 460,000 tonnes (16.9 million bushels) of wheat. A marketable by-product of ethanol production is distiller's grain - a source of high-protein livestock feed.
  
  
• Biodiesel can be produced from the prairies' signature crop - canola - and from animal fats. There are opportunities in local and neighbouring markets as the demand for bio-fuels increases. Further development is targeted at bio-composites, ethanol and fuel pellets and bio-refineries.
  
  
• The market for organic products is growing at approximately 20 per cent across product sectors. Opportunities to market branded organic products to Canadian retailers are increasing. Few companies have successfully branded natural and organic products, so the market is open to create brand loyalty among consumers.

View the Commodities and Livestock & Poultry sections as well.

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