The memberships of Cereals Canada and the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) approved the amalgamation of both organizations under a unified governance and management structure on April 14. The approval of this merger followed four years of growing dialogue and collaboration between Cereals Canada and Cigi members and staff.聽
鈥淭his merger brings together two strong organizations with a common vision to serve our members and build value for the Canadian cereals industry. 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,鈥� said Jean-Marc Ruest, Chair of the Cereals Canada Board of Directors.聽
Cereals Canada was formed in 2013 to represent Canada鈥檚 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.聽
鈥淭he 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. While unlocking new synergies, we will also be maintaining the key components and expertise that each organization brings to the table,鈥� Trent Rude, the Chair of the Board of Cigi, added in a statement.聽
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鈥檚 approved governance structure also ensures all members can shape and influence future priorities and initiatives.
鈥淐ollaboration and transparency have been the guiding forces throughout this process and will continue to be the cornerstones of the integrated organization,鈥� Ruest continued. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
鈥淭he next major step will be the appointment of a CEO for the amalgamated organization. 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,鈥� Rude said in conclusion.聽
