Agribusiness

Winnipeg sits at the heart of one of Canada’s most productive agricultural regions, connecting Manitoba’s diverse agricultural base with global markets, processing, research and innovation.

The city is home to a strong network of producers, processors, industry organizations, logistics providers and service companies supporting the full agriculture and agri-food value chain.

With access to Manitoba’s abundant agricultural resources and a strategic location at the centre of Canada’s transportation network, Winnipeg provides a strong platform for companies looking to establish, expand or connect their operations across the prairies and beyond.

Winnipeg is also a centre of agricultural innovation, boasting a vibrant ecosystem of researchers and organizations dedicated to supporting the industry.

We’re home to:

• The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers – this member-driven non-profit represents the entire crop inputs sector, from seeds to crop protection and equipment, providing a united voice for Canadian ag retailers.
• Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology - since 1951 CIFST has been advocating, promoting and advancing food science and technology. Its 1,000 members include scientists, technologists, government and academics.
• Canola Council of Canada - represents everyone who works in the canola sector, from life science companies to grain handlers, processors, exporters and of course, farmers, with key focuses on market access, policy, advocacy and agronomic research.
• Cereals Canada - for over half a century this not-for-profit has represented the farmers, exporters and processors for Canadian wheat, oats and barley. They promote market access, provide technical support and testing, assist in value chain coordination, and more.
• Flax Council of Canada – established in 1986, the Flax Council of Canada promotes Canadian flax and its products for nutritional and industrial uses in international and national markets.
• Food Development Centre (Portage La Prairie) – this fee-for-service facility provides technical and research assistance for agri-food businesses to reach product commercialization. Its services focus on plant and animal protein products and ingredients.
• Pulse Canada – represents the needs of growers, processors and traders of Canadian beans, lentils, faba beans, chickpeas and dried beans. Its mission is to lead a profitable and sustainable Canadian pulse industry through innovation, efficiencies, and increased value.

Trend-setting pulse producers, farm equipment manufacturers, grain traders, food processing companies and ag-tech giants – you’ll find them all in Winnipeg.

The biggest names in modern agriculture, Cargill, Richardson International, Simplot, Parrish & Heimbecker, AGI, Bayer, and G3 Canada Limited continue to trade, produce, conduct research and find markets throughout the globe from right here in Winnipeg.

This city also has the pulse when it comes to pea protein production with companies like Roquette, along with home grown functional food success stories like Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods.

BeeMaid Honey collects from farms across the prairies to sweet products and dishes throughout North America, while Maple Leaf Foods, HyLife and Loveday Mushrooms are just a few local producers whose products have so much demand.

Winnipeg is a growing centre for agricultural research, innovation and commercialization, connecting researchers, post-secondary institutions, government, industry and entrepreneurs.

Strengths span crop and plant science, food and agricultural technology, animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable production. Key assets include the University of Manitoba, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Grain Commission, Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, Manitoba Food Development Centre and Smartpark.

New investments are further strengthening this ecosystem. Cereals Canada’s Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (GATE) is creating a new downtown hub for grain research, innovation, technical expertise and market development. Together with Manitoba’s broader research and commercialization infrastructure, these assets create a strong pathway from research and testing to commercialization and global markets.

We’re also home to:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Station
• CCARM: Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine
• Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre
• Genome Prairie
• Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
• University of Manitoba: Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Glenlea Research Station and Farm and Food Discovery Centre

Winnipeg offers access to a diverse and skilled workforce supporting agriculture and agri-food businesses across the value chain. A strong network of universities, colleges, research institutions and training organizations helps develop talent in agriculture, science, engineering, business, technology and skilled trades.

With Manitoba’s deep agricultural roots and growing expertise in emerging technologies, companies can tap into talent equipped to support both today’s operations and the future of the sector.

Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a major contributor to the provincial economy, with strengths spanning primary production, food processing, agricultural technology, crop and livestock industries, and value-added manufacturing.

Winnipeg businesses can also benefit from a range of provincial and federal programs designed to support investment, innovation, research and development, workforce growth and business expansion. Together with Manitoba’s competitive operating environment, strategic location and strong agricultural base, these advantages create opportunities for companies looking to grow in the heart of the prairies.