Construction of an innovative new agricultural education facility that will feature interactive hands-on displays about every aspect of food production, from farming practices to the marketing and retailing of food, is officially underway at the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea Research Station after a special groundbreaking ceremony was held today.

The Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre was officially announced at today’s event by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, Michael Trevan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and special guest and agribusiness community leader Dr. Bruce D. Campbell. The centre was previously known as the Glenlea Farm Education Centre.

The event comes on the heels of a September announcement of $2.3 million in federal funding for the centre through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), which is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Manitoba has also contributed $900,000 towards the facility.

The funding is integral to the construction of the 8,280 square-foot centre that will be an interactive showplace with dioramas and hands-on displays of grain and feed production, viewing galleries for the hog barn with videos relaying scenes from the demonstration barn, food retailing and food safety displays.

“I am pleased to celebrate the start of such an exciting project for the University of Manitoba. With this new centre, students will be equipped with valuable learning tools to assist them in their agricultural education,” said Minister Toews.  “This is a great investment and a further example of our Government is helping to ensure that Manitoba emerges from this global economic recession stronger than ever.”

“This research facility will be a centre of excellence for farm and food production practices that stress environmental stability. There are a number of occupations in the agri-food industry and this will be a great place to learn about them,” said Minister Struthers. “Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives looks forward to working with the talented people at the Glenlea Research Station in moving great ideas from research to implementation.”

“Today’s announcement highlights the strong support that our alumni and our partners have committed to this exciting initiative,” said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba.  “The Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre will give Manitobans an opportunity to see first-hand how modern agricultural practices are having an impact on food production in our province while exposing them to the important research being done at the University of Manitoba.”

“I am proud and humbled to have my name associated with this spectacular new centre for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. This new facility will be a wonderful showcase for agricultural production in Canada,” said Dr. Bruce D. Campbell.

With 30,000 visitors anticipated annually, the Discovery Centre will be a valuable food production experience for students of all ages. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2010.

For more information, contact: Crystal Jorgenson, Communications Specialist, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, (204) 474-9435, c_jorgenson@umanitoba.ca