Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1221195
16 2020 Business Development & Communications plan Target markets/audiences Businesses, site selectors and CEOs in the agribusiness, food processing, food manufacturing, ag-tech, ag e-commerce and cannabis fields. Primary Canada, United States and Europe Tactics YES! Winnipeg (YW) has developed a strategic sales plan in collaboration with stakeholders to develop and grow investment and talent, and to help businesses succeed. A Team Manitoba approach with compelling messaging, an elevated presence at trade initiatives and client events, enhanced promotional materials and a comprehensive website (edwinnipeg.com/agribusiness) helps to highlight the Winnipeg advantage. Industry collaboration YW will continue to be an active supporter and collaborator with key industry partners such as: Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development Continue to foster relationships, collaborate on projects with the minister's office and the business development team at MB Agriculture. Economic Development & Training (ED&T) Maintain relationships, share and collaborate on projects with the ED&T/ economic development organization offices. Global Affairs Canada/Trade Commissioner Service, and Invest in Canada Identify leads of businesses considering locating to Canada and present Winnipeg in a timely fashion. Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Continue to grow partnership, collaborate with AAFC on identified projects. Work closely and strategically for national and international conferences and campaigns. Agribusiness Manitoba is a good trial market for agribusiness companies due to its considerable 17.6 million acres of farmland, which represents 11 per cent of Canada's farmland 1 . Manitoba has the third largest average farm size in Canada at 1,192 acres/ farm 1 , the largest proportion of farm operators under 35 years of age, and the second youngest population of farm operators in Canada 1 . The combination of large farms and young producers has contributed to professional farming operations with a high level of openness to innovation. This indicates a good opportunity for agriculture companies looking to test new varieties, equipment and technologies. There are many other advantages for agribusiness companies to establish or grow their operations in the province, particularly in the city of Winnipeg. The Winnipeg CMA agribusiness sector had 13.8 thousand employees in 2018 and 1,865 business establishments 2 which offers up a diversified pool of operations and labour to pull from. Winnipeg is the geographical centre of Canada, with infrastructure connecting to major centres across North America. The city is also in close proximity to the Canada- U.S. border, particularly to American states that have a strong agribusiness sector, with multiple opportunities for cooperation. Winnipeg offers a low cost of business, access to water (principally important to breeding and other ag-testing facilities) and one of the lowest electricity costs in North America, which come from renewable sources. Subsector focus Protein processing, food and beverage manufacturing, agricultural science, crop inputs and related R&D, grain handling and wholesaling, ag-tech Photo courtesy Buhler Industries PRIMARY SECTORS 16 2020 Business Development & Communications plan