As part of a commitment to sustainability and environmental action, the Canada and Manitoba governments are committing $55,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to study the viability of providing an alternative non-potable water source for non-food processing purposes to industrial park tenants in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.

"With increasing signs of climate change, every action the agriculture industry can take to use scarce inputs wisely matters. Projects like this show great initiative on the part of Manitoba's processing sector – improving sustainability through one small action can lead to further wins and opportunities down the road."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Protecting our province's water resources while working with industry to grow the economy is a key priority of our government, which is laid out in our Water Management Strategy. This wastewater study supports the Strategy in the key focus areas of making every drop of water count, and addressing our water infrastructure's challenges and opportunities. By working together with governments, communities and industries, our government is committed to ensuring healthy and sustainable water management that supports resilient, thriving ecosystems, communities and economies for generations of Manitobans."

- Derek Johnson, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture

"Roquette is committed to improving sustainability at all of its facilities, including the Portage pea protein plant. Emerging research and technology are revealing creative ways to conserve and recycle water. This study will provide valuable direction for local industrial users as we work together toward a more sustainable approach for water usage. I would like to thank the Governments of Canada and Manitoba for their support of this important initiative."

- Dominique Baumann, Global Head of Plant Protein Operations and Managing Director, Roquette Canada Ltd.

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Government of Manitoba)
• Manitoba's Water Management Strategy (Government of Manitoba) (PDF)
• Manitoba's Protein Sector (Government of Manitoba)

For media:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Kelly McCrae
Press Secretary
Minister of Agriculture
Government of Manitoba
Kelly.McCrae@leg.gov.mb.ca