Federal government boosts CIGI funding

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz announced earlier this week at the institute (also known as Cigi) in Winnipeg funding of $15 million from the AgriMarketing Program (AMP) over five years.

“Cigi welcomes this funding announcement which demonstrates the government of Canada’s commitment to the work that we do as an independent technical institute,” says Cigi CEO JoAnne Buth. ”It will allow us to carry out the promotion of Canadian field crops and the Canada brand worldwide on behalf of farmers and industry through our educational programs and training for customers as well as technical missions overseas.”

For the past 42 years, Cigi has worked to develop and maintain international markets and provide technical support to customers in their use of Canadian field crops. In 2013-14 Cigi delivered 63 programs involving more than 2,200 international and domestic participants. Fifteen missions were held in 33 countries, covering more locations than ever in a single year. Cigi has planned a roster of nearly 60 programs and missions for 2014-15.

“Canada's emphasis has always been on the quality, consistency, and reliability of its crops and Cigi works with the field crop industry to ensure that buyers are aware of the quality characteristics of each year's crop,” says Buth. “Cigi provides on-going technical assistance, training, and visits to customer countries to maintain these markets and open up new opportunities. The AMP funding as well as the farmer check-off on wheat and durum ensures Cigi will continue this important work to position Canadian field crops in the domestic and international marketplace.”

Cigi is an independent market development institute created in 1972. More than 39,000 people representing grain, oilseed, pulse and special crops industries from 115 countries have participated in Cigi programs and seminars. Cigi’s mission is to create a global advantage for Canadian field crops through the delivery of technical expertise, support and customized training to the domestic industry and customers around the world. Cigi is funded by farmers, the Government of Canada (AAFC) and industry partners.