Welcome to the Gate Capital Campaign
Canada’s cereal sector stands apart from our competitors and now requires new investment to keep and grow Canada’s economic opportunity. Led by Cereals Canada, Gate is an investment in the future of Canadian agriculture, in our farmers, and in Canada’s continued position as a global leader in cereal grains.
The vision of Gate is bold, but necessary, and the time is now.
Our Vision
Gate is an inspiring opportunity to reimagine the future of Canadian cereals. This visionary project is not about finding new offices and technical spaces; it is about creating a state-of-the-art, world-class facility that will propel our industry into the next era of global agricultural innovation. With Gate, Canada will continue to sharpen its leading edge in world-renowned cereal grains production and market development.
Gate is envisioned as an inclusive space, designed to serve the entire cereals value chain. Whether we are providing confidential technical support to industry members, hosting international customers, informing growers about quality and market access, or developing new applications for Canadian cereals, Gate will be a hub of collaboration, information, education, and innovation.
To bring this bold vision to life, the Gate Capital Campaign seeks to raise $102 million to design, construct, and equip a purpose-built facility in downtown Winnipeg. Chaired by former Manitoba Senator JoAnne Buth, the Campaign Cabinet will engage with potential donors, all levels of government, and industry partners as it works towards its target.
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
For over five decades, we have been the cornerstone of the Canadian cereals industry, providing critical support to farmers, researchers, industry partners, and global customers. The merger of Cereals Canada with the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) in 2020 expanded our capabilities, combining technical expertise with strong advocacy and a focus on developing trade relationships. LEARN MORE
Gate will build on this foundation, ensuring that Canadian quality continues to translate into value in global markets.
Our world-renowned programming and technical expertise have helped cement Canada’s reputation as a leader in high-quality cereal grains.
The Heart of Our Work: Market Access and Unique Technical Support
Market access and technical support are at the core of what we do. Working in six unique technical spaces, our team of experts support the value chain and our customers with data, unbiased advice, and world-class customer service. These working spaces include our analytical services lab, pilot mill, pilot bakery, pasta plant, noodle lab, and specialty milling area. However, these are more than just labs; they are the engines of innovation that drive our industry forward.
Gate will provide the specialized technical spaces, classrooms, and resources that are vital to our work. Without these facilities, the critical work that has driven our industry’s success for over half a century is at risk.
Support Gate, Invest in Canadian Cereals
Our role in promoting the quality, consistency, and reliability of Canadian cereals is critical to maintaining our global competitiveness. Without Gate, we risk losing our edge in a fiercely competitive global market, and we risk diminishing the value of Canadian cereals and the livelihoods of those who depend on this industry. LEARN MORE
The Canadian cereals industry is a powerhouse, contributing billions to our economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.
Gate will amplify the impact Cereals Canada has in developing, maintaining, and supporting Canadian grain markets. This contributes to a resilient and globally competitive cereals industry, and will create economic benefits, locally and nationally.
Your Support is Needed
The Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet invites all stakeholders—from government to agri-businesses and advocates for Canadian agriculture—to support this crucial initiative. Together, we can build more than just a new facility. We can drive innovation, uphold Canada’s position as a world leader in cereal grains, and secure the future of Canadian cereals for generations to come. Gate is the answer.
Donate Your financial contributions are crucial to the success of this campaign. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal. For more information on how to donate, please contact the GATE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN.
Recognition Opportunities We are proud to offer several recognition opportunities to honour our supporters. From naming rights for rooms and technical spaces to commemorative plaques and artwork, there are many ways to leave a lasting legacy. For more information on recognition opportunities, please contact the GATE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN.
All Gate donors will be recognized in perpetuity. By participating in the Gate Campaign, donors will customize their recognition and profile with diverse opportunities such as physical and digital installations and naming of spaces within Gate. Please reach out for a meeting to discuss options that meet with your strategic goals and priorities. Gate Donor Recognition Framework
Your support of our Capital Campaign is an investment in Canadian agriculture. Together, we can build a space that supports farmers, researchers, customers, and industry. Join us in making this vision a reality.
Watch for additional opportunities to contribute coming soon.
Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet
Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair
JoAnne Buth, Manitoba
JoAnne Buth is a former Manitoba Senator and former CEO of the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi). Now retired, Buth was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2019 and remains a well-known and respected figure in the industry.
“I am honoured to represent Cereals Canada as we embark on this fundraising journey to build Gate. The vision of Gate represents the strength of Canada’s cereals industry both nationally and internationally, and will serve as a world-class, state-of-the-art facility for grains innovation.” – JoAnne Buth, Chair
Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet – Honorary Members
Gregg Fotheringham, Manitoba
Gregg Fotheringham grew up on his family farm near the town of Reston, Man., and has been farming for over 40 years. He has been a director for Manitoba Crop Alliance since its inception in 2020 and a director for Cereals Canada for the last three years.
Rob Stone, Saskachewan
Rob Stone owns and operates Stone Farms in Davidson, Sask., with his family and grows hard red spring wheat, lentils, and canola. He has represented farmers on the Sask Wheat Board of Directors since 2021 and currently serves as a director for Cereals Canada.
Greg Sears, Alberta
Greg Sears owns and operates Redwood Acres Inc. in Sexsmith, Alta., producing grain and oilseeds. He currently represents the 18,000+ Alberta wheat and barley producers as a Region 6 director with Alberta Grains and is a director on the Cereals Canada board.
Josh Boersen, Ontario
Josh Boersen is the third generation working on the family farm, located just north of Stratford, Ont. He has been a director for Grain Farmers of Ontario, District 9 (Perth), since 2019, after serving as a delegate in 2018. He also serves on the Cereals Canada board.
Gate Campaign Cabinet – Members
Wade Barnes
Wade Barnes, born and raised on a family farm in rural Manitoba, has dedicated over 25 years to revolutionizing agriculture through technology and innovation. He founded Farmers Edge in 2005, transforming it into a global leader in digital agriculture. Barnes pioneered real-time data collection and machine learning applications to improve farm productivity. He is recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Canadian Agriculture and continues to drive innovation in regenerative agriculture and sustainability.
Bryce Eger
Raised in Moosomin, Saskatchewan Bryce built his career at Cargill, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and Corteva Agriscience. He is a champion for Canadian agriculture’s potential. He believes in its power to move beyond individual efforts and achieve something truly extraordinary through collaboration and bold thinking.
Ralph Eichler
Ralph Eichler, a Consulting Specialist with over 20 years of government experience, served as Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development and Minister of Economic Development and Training. He brings expertise in policy analysis, implementation, economic development, and training. Eichler now provides strategic advice and solutions to clients across various sectors, leveraging his government knowledge and consulting skills. He is committed to improving Manitobans’ lives and collaborating with teams who share this vision.
Gene Fraser
Gene Fraser grew up on a family farm near Antigonish, Nova Scotia and moved to Winnipeg in 1981 where he had a 42-year career in the ag machinery business with MacDon Industries Ltd. As Vice President, Gene was responsible for global sales, marketing, and business development. Gene represented MacDon on a number of associations and boards, including the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in North America. He currently sits on the board of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute of Canada and is serving as the Vice Chair of the Canadian 4-H Foundation in Ottawa. Gene is considered a strong advocate of safe, sustainable farming to fuel and feed the world.
Dave Hansen
David Hansen’s 47-year agricultural career spans from grain trading to leading Canterra Seeds as CEO (2009-2023). He played key roles in introducing canola hybrids and developing successful partnerships such as Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC). Hansen participated on several boards in executive positions, including CropLife Canada and LCRC. He was instrumental in Cereals Canada’s creation and served as Board Chair. With a passion for collaboration, David continues to contribute to the industry as Chair of 4-H Canada and through various agricultural ventures.
Dayna Spiring
Dayna is the former President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg which encompasses YES! Winnipeg and Tourism Winnipeg. Prior to that Dayna spent ten years in the grain industry and was the Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel for the Canadian Wheat Board. Dayna is a passionate Winnipegger with a drive to volunteer. She is currently Vice-Chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Honorary Colonel for 2 Canadian Air Division and is the Co-Chair of the 112th Grey Cup which will be held in Winnipeg in November 2025.