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Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk today presented a cheque for $333,000 to the Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Canada Prairie Region as the second instalment in Manitoba’s $1-million commitment to promote technology exchanges and partnerships between communities in northern Manitoba and Israel.

 

“This unique partnership supporting the interchange of technology in agriculture and food production will provide far-reaching benefits for both Manitoba and Israel,” said Wowchuk.  “Manitoba’s support of the JNF’s fundraising efforts for these important projects reflects our commitment to creating opportunities in technology and food production in Manitoba’s north.”

 

The Manitoba-based fund supporting the initiative is comprised of $1 million from the province coupled with $1 million from the fundraising efforts of the JNF. The funds are used for information exchanges between scientists and technologists in Israel and Manitoba. Identified future projects include the construction of rapid-growth greenhouse technology and agricultural diversification. The fund is administered by the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

 

“The Jewish National Fund is most appreciative of the Manitoba initiative to make scientific and technological exchanges between our province and Israel a source of pride for us all,” said Graham Dixon, prairie region president of the Jewish National Fund.  “There will be economic and health advances in our northern communities, thanks to Minister Wowchuk’s vision and commitment.”

 

Wowchuk noted the partnership opens the door to innovation in food production in northern Manitoba as well as in Israel, which share similar challenges related to water availability and extreme climate conditions.  Research will help support remote communities in promoting traditional harvesting and gardening that can lead to better nutrition and lower food costs.

 

The not-for-profit Jewish National Fund of Canada is an official United Nations non-governmental organization. It is credited with planting over 220 million trees, building over 150 reservoirs and dams, developing over 250,000 acres of land, creating more than 400 parks, and establishing
five research and development farms. 

 

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