Brandon University (BU) is partnering with the Westman Opportunities Leadership Group (WOLG) with hopes of bringing a soybean processing plant to Manitoba.

The group is composed of a network of community leaders from across western Manitoba that are working together to make the case that Westman would be the ideal location for a major soybean crushing facility.

“Among the core mandates as outlined in our Academic Plan is to work with communities to act as a catalyst for growth and innovation,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President and Vice-Chancellor of BU. “The diverse group of individuals and organizations who comprise Westman Opportunities Leadership Group contribute a vision that will be of great benefit to the region and all of Manitoba. We are happy to contribute our expertise and research capacity for a project that will help to stimulate growth and development for our communities.”

A feasibility study commissioned by Soy 20/20 has shown that Manitoba is capable of sustaining a world-class soybean processing plant.

Ray Redfern, Chair of WOLG, said the region must act quickly to take advantage of the opportunity.

“We at the Leadership Group are extremely pleased that Brandon University is joining us to pursue the attraction of a soybean processing facility,” Redfern said. “The University brings a network of experts to the process that will help validate the opportunity. This agreement provides interested companies with a clear signal of the importance of agriculture to Manitoba and the commitment that is emerging to support the growth of the soybean sector.”

In 2016 more than 1.7 million acres of soybeans were planted in Manitoba, with the crop expanding rapidly in western Manitoba.