Canada’s national cereal grains council Cereals Canada has chosen Winnipeg as the base for its operations.
In a Jan. 7 news release, Cereals Canada chair Greg Porozni said Winnipeg was chosen because it offers good access to other Canadian cities as well as American destinations.
Other factors included cost and proximity to prominent grain industry organizations such as the Canadian International Grains Institute and the Canadian Grain Commission, which are also located in Winnipeg.
“A great deal of thought and consideration went into making this decision,” said Porozni.
Read Also
U.S. complaints about protectionist Canadian dairy policy hypocritical, report argues
Despite criticisms of Canadian dairy policy, the American dairy industry has many of the same protectionist tendencies Canada does, writes Al Mussell in a new policy paper.
“Through this process it became clear to us that Winnipeg will best serve the long-term needs of the organization.”
The release said reliable air service access was an important factor.
Winnipeg’s international airport offers direct flights to a variety of eastern and western Canadian cities, as well as key American destinations.
Good air service will facilitate staff travel as well as director and membership accessibility.
Winnipeg was also cited as an affordable location with access to a large workforce that has many ties to agriculture.
“Location is key and situating Cereals Canada in Winnipeg reflects our commitment to being able to effectively serve the entire cereal grains value chain across Canada,” said Porozni.
“Establishing roots in Winnipeg will enable us to align with and stay focused on ensuring the profitability and long-term sustainability of all elements of the value chain associated with Canada’s cereal grains industry.”
A search for office space will begin shortly.
Cereals Canada is also looking for a president who will head the organization’s operations.
