Since its very beginning, Winnipeg has been an agricultural hub in North America. For over a century, the city has been a leader in pioneering agricultural practices, research, and business development.
Today, the centre of Canada is the world leader in commodities trading, health & functional food research and innovation, value-add food processing, advanced crop research, and precision agriculture. This well-established industry includes 1,800 businesses and over 15,000 employees operating throughout the city – including some of the industry’s largest companies such as Cargill, Roquette, and Parmalat Canada.
In addition, Winnipeg is including more than 20 food research and development centres in the Winnipeg area alone. One of those innovation hubs is the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals (RCFFN). In addition to pioneering functional food research and new product development, the RCFFN has been a leader in helping attract industry events to Winnipeg.
“Winnipeg offers a one-stop shop in industry-leading research and development in the agriculture and agri-business manufacturing industries, while producing some of the most innovative foods on the market,” said Dr. Michael Janzen, Research Development Manager of the RCFFN. “Companies and researchers from around the world will find value in bringing their next event to our city.”
The RCFFN played a key role in attracting the 2018 Congress of the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, taking on the role of Canada Research Chair in Functional Foods and Nutrition. This conference saw 100 delegates converge on the city from around the globe.
Winnipeg has been proven as a capable host for events in the agribusiness sector. Other notable events held in the city in the past few year includes the 2017 Hempfest Cannabis Expo (4,000 delegates), the 2018 Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (250 delegates), and the Canola Council of Canada (313 delegates).
Other industry associations have established a longstanding working relationship with Winnipeg’s meeting and convention market, hosting recurring annual events in the city. Successful annual conferences include CropConnect (500 delegates annually) and the Manitoba Swine Seminar (434 delegates annually).
The future is bright for agriculture in Winnipeg, with new opportunities on the horizon. Recently, Simplot announced an investment in Manitoba’s potato output capacity, thanks to a $400 million investment in their production facility. The potato industry has recognized our strength, and Manitoba will be hosting the 103rd annual Potato Association of America annual meeting later in 2019.
If you are thinking of hosting an agriculture-related meeting or convention, talk to our Tourism Winnipeg team. Let us show you how we can help your event take root and flourish. Contact Grace today for more information.
