There was a discussion held by Manitoba Agriculture to help determine areas for improvement, and growth in the industry yesterday in Portage la Prairie.

Nearly 100 stakeholders showed up to the PCU Centre, and Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler says they need to meet with both producers and consumers.

"Financial people, restaurant people, food processors, the commodity groups, it was a large group to bring together where we could share information ideas to meet demands. So let's plan together, let's have the conversation to make sure we get it right, let's make sure we have the educational component as well."

Eichler says it was nice to get some feedback from both producers and consumers, but it's never enough.

Eichler

"Yeah, but we need to know more of it -- and to not only be open for business -- but make sure we knock the silos down. Make sure we get rid of some of the red tape, which I've been mandated to do, and how to work together in order to bring forward the demands and see the Manitoba province grow and prosper, and be the most improved province come the end of the day."

A big part of the industry is keeping non-farmers and consumers informed.

"Knowing that it's safe, but it's also good value. It's processed in a way that's going to be sustainable as well. So we heard most of that today, and we'll be having that conversation again as the days and months go forward. So want to make sure we're prepared to carry forward the message that our people had to share with us here in Portage."

Eichler will be attending the Federal Ag Meeting in Calgary later this month, and plans to bring forward the issues raised at the consultation.