Cereals Canada and Cigi merging into one organization

April 23, 2020, Winnipeg, Man. – Cereals Canada and the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) are joining forces under a single banner.

Memberships of both organizations recently approved the amalgamation of both organizations under a unified governance and management structure. The approval of the merger follows four years of growing dialogue and collaboration between Cereals Canada and Cigi members and staff.

“This merger brings together two strong organizations with a common vision to serve our members and build value for the Canadian cereals industry,” Jean-Marc Ruest, chair of the Cereals Canada board of directors, said in a press release.
“Cereals Canada and Cigi have already established a close working relationship supporting the promotion of Canadian wheat and this merger will strengthen the benefits of this relationship.”

Cereals Canada was formed in 2013 to represent Canada’s cereal value chain across priority areas including market access, market development, advocacy and innovation. Cigi was formed in 1972 to support domestic and international processors with independent technical services such as end-use quality evaluations, milling and end-use support.

“The merger represents an opportunity to align our efforts on behalf of the Canadian cereals value chain and ultimately strengthen the focus and impact of our activities,” said Trent Rude, chair of the board of Cigi. “While unlocking new synergies, we will also be maintaining the key components and expertise that each organization brings to the table.”

The consolidated organization will operate under the Cereals Canada name, and Cigi will maintain its brand as a division within the overarching organization. The organization’s approved governance structure also ensures that all members can shape and influence future priorities and initiatives.

“Collaboration and transparency have been the guiding forces throughout this process, and will continue to be the cornerstones of the integrated organization,” said Ruest. “We are excited to support this next phase in the advancement of our mission to grow the Canadian cereals value chain. We look forward to continue working for the benefit of our members under a single national organization.”

“The next major step will be the appointment of a CEO for the amalgamated organization,” said Rude. “Our senior leadership team and staff will also continue to play a key role in guiding strategic planning with a view towards leveraging the opportunities of a fully integrated organization.”

Cereals Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that brings a broad and diverse collaboration of partners from all sectors of the cereals value chain.

Cigi is a not-for-profit institute providing pre-market and in-market technical support for the Canadian grain sector.