Viterra Partners with Foodgrains Bank for Ninth Consecutive Year
to Help End Hunger
As the world grapples with hunger crises driven by conflict, climate, and economic challenges impacting the rising cost of food, Viterra and Canadian Foodgrains Bank are partnering to make a difference.
2024 marks nine consecutive years of partnership for the two Canadian organizations, as Viterra continues to provide 267 acres of land around five of its terminals in Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Foodgrains Bank.
The donated plots of land are used by farmers who volunteer their time, expertise, and resources to grow crops, as part of a community-led growing project, or as an addition to their own farmwork. Once the crops are harvested, the proceeds from the sale of the crops are donated to the Foodgrains Bank, to support local partner organizations around the world who are working to end hunger.
The Viterra terminals in Lethbridge and Trochu, Alberta, along with Viterra terminals in Balgonie, Grenfell, and Raymore in Saskatchewan are participating this year, totalling 267 acres seeded on behalf of the Foodgrains Bank.
Food security projects implemented through the Foodgrains Bank network include both humanitarian response projects that help people affected by conflicts and natural disasters, as well as development projects that help people reduce their vulnerability to hunger and improve their resiliency in the longer-term, often through conservation agriculture training.
In addition to providing the land, Viterra will also provide the Foodgrains Bank with a donation of $5 for each tonne of crops donated to the organization through its grain elevators in Western Canada. •
Jefo Nutrition Celebrates Its Results and Team Engagement
The company was awarded as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 9th Consecutive Year
In an era where collaboration and innovation are the keystones of success, Jefo Nutrition stands out as an inspiration, having been honored with the prestigious title of one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for an impressive ninth consecutive year. This remarkable achievement not only reaffirms Jefo’s status as a Platinum Club member for the third year but also shines light on the collective spirit and dedication that propel the company forward.
Beyond the impressive investments in innovation and development that has positioned Jefo as a global leader in high-precision non-medicated nutritional solutions for livestock, the company relies on the talent of over 450 employees around the world, 350+ of them are in Canada. “These efforts are not just about commercial advances, they are about making a positive impact on sustainable agriculture, which prioritizes animal health, farmers well- being, reduced agriculture footprint, and the retreat of antibiotics as growth promoters. By improving livestock production and management practices, Jefo contributes to a healthier circle of life, on a more sustainable planet” affirmed Jean Fontaine, President and Founder of the Jefo Group.
This award reflects the significant impact that Canadian private companies like Jefo, empowered by a committed and dynamic team, can have on the industry and on human life. •
Supporting Genomics Innovation in Alberta
New funding from Alberta’s government will support cutting-edge genomics research in health, agriculture and environmental technology.
Genomics, the study of the genetic information in humans, plants, animals and microbes, helps scientists learn patterns and functions that can be used to improve environmental stewardship and health care treatment or create more robust crops for agriculture.
Genomics has the potential to be a key technology driver of Alberta’s life sciences sector. This is why Alberta’s government is investing $15 million over three years into Genome Alberta, a not-for-profit research funding organization working toward a better future through genomic innovation.
The government’s investment of $15 million over three years into Genome Alberta can lead to new solutions that companies, health care providers and environmental managers need to create high-value jobs, ensure talent development and contribute to economic prosperity.
Work supported by Genome Alberta has already started yielding results. A good example is the development of new tools and technologies to support the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases, which has been transformational in the lives of patients and their families.
Genomics is one more player helping to fulfill the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy. Released in 2022, the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy sets out an ambitious vision to position the province as an internationally recognized technology and innovation hub. Already, Calgary and Edmonton are emerging technology and innovation hubs in the global technology ecosystem. Alberta’s government is proud to build on that growth through this partnership with Genome Alberta, which will deliver cutting-edge genomic innovation in environment, health care and agriculture.
Since it was established in 2005, Genomics Alberta has:
- Enabled a $573-million portfolio of research projects
- Supported 134 genomics-focused initiatives
- Supported the creation of 26 companies
- Created more than 2,100 jobs
- Attracted more than $32 million in private funding for Alberta-led projects
• A McKinsey & Company report from May 2020 estimates that bio-based innovation could contribute $2 – 4 trillion to the global economy. •
