Prairie Innovation Centre welcomes new support with $200k from Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers

The Collaboration Zone within the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture welcomes a new industry sponsor—the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG), who have committed $200,000 to this project.

"MPSG members know the importance of formal training to meet the farming industry's demand for skilled employees,” said Cal Penner, Chair of the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers.

We were eager to sign on to support the Prairie Innovation Centre; it's a timely addition to Manitoba's ag training landscape.

The Prairie Innovation Centre is Assiniboine’s vision for the future of agriculture training in Manitoba. The Centre aims to expand seats in agriculture-related programming from 300 to more than 800. Key to the success of the Centre is the Collaboration Zone, enabling connection and innovation with industry partners.

The college’s relationship with MPSG is not new—the commodity association representing pulse and soybean producers has previously supported and partnered with Assiniboine on applied research projects. Most recently, MPSG matched a $41,850 grant to support Dr. Baljeet Singh’s research focused on white mould management in bean crops.

“I have been fortunate to have MPSG as a great partner in my research and extension activities, said Dr. Singh. “As we have worked together, we have built trust and a collaborative environment to help each other excel in the agriculture sector.”

The Centre, to be located at Assiniboine’s North Hill campus in Brandon, will expand the college’s ability to meet growing demands in the agriculture sector, and will increase applied research capacity in collaboration with and in support of industry goals and initiatives.

"Having forged a research partnership with Assiniboine, we are excited at the prospect of the college increasing its capacity for research through the Prairie Innovation Centre,” said Daryl Domitruk, Executive Director of MPSG. “This is a great addition to farmers' support network, especially in Westman."