Winnipeg, Manitoba June 19, 2025 – The Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) Capital Campaign today completed its cabinet with the addition of member Gene Fraser. The sixth and final member to be named to the Cabinet, Fraser is the past vice-president of MacDon, a world leader in technology, innovation, and manufacturing of high-performance harvesting equipment.
“I am motivated to be a part of Cereals Canada’s exciting project, Gate,” said Fraser. “Agriculture has shaped my journey—from the family farm in Antigonish to the global stage with MacDon. I believe for Canada to continue to be the global leader in cereal grains innovation and sustainability, it will take a powerful combination of vision, leadership, and action. I see Gate offering all three of these components.”
“The future of Canada’s grain progress through Gate will be driven by collaboration and investment and I am proud to be a part of this important effort,” he added.
Led by JoAnne Buth, former Manitoba Senator and agriculture advocate, the Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet is made up of industry and community leaders with deep ties to agriculture.
“With our cabinet now complete, we are moving forward with an exceptional team of leaders who represent the full spectrum of Canada’s cereals value chain,” said Buth.
The Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Wade Barnes – Farmer/entrepreneur and CEO of Ronin Agronomy
- Bryce Eger – Industry and community leader from Calgary, Alberta
- Ralph Eichler – Former Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
- Gene Fraser – Past vice-president of MacDon
- David Hansen – Past president and CEO of Canterra Seeds
- Dayna Spiring – Community leader, corporate director, and Winnipeg ambassador
Honorary Cabinet Members: Canadian farmers Gregg Fotheringham, Manitoba; Rob Stone, Saskatchewan; Greg Sears, Alberta; and Josh Boersen, Ontario.
The Cabinet is tasked with raising funds for the construction of Gate, a state-of-the-art hub for grains research, development, and innovation in downtown Winnipeg. With an estimated cost of $100 million, the facility will maintain Canada’s leadership in domestic and international markets.
Since the launch of the capital campaign in June 2024, $32.15 million in funding commitments has been secured. Most recently, the Province of Manitoba contributed $13 million, as part of their nation building objectives with the federal government, and Warburtons, the U.K.’s largest bakery brand, announced that it will be investing $650,000.
Gate has also received $13.5 million in combined support from key grower organizations, including the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Alberta Grains, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Producteurs de grains du Québec. Cereals Canada has also contributed $5 million towards the project.
Dean Dias, chief executive officer of Cereals Canada, welcomed the completion of the cabinet and expressed his confidence as the members work towards their goal.
“We have assembled a strong, diverse team to carry out our Gate campaign,” said Dias. “Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we work towards realizing our vision of a world-class facility to maintain Canada’s global cereals leadership.”
The campaign is targeting contributions from industry groups, agribusinesses and individuals, and support from the three levels of government. To learn more, please visit the Capital Campaign page.