Manitoba's Misipawistik Cree are hoping to make locally grown and affordable produce more readily available in northern communities by tapping the expertise of Israeli agriculture specialists.

'We have a high incidence of diabetes in Grand Rapids and through the greenhouse project we can produce the kind of vegetables that people need to combat that disease.'—Misipawistik Chief Ovide Mercredi

Israeli experts, who have considerable knowledge about growing produce in harsh climates, will soon visit Grand Rapids, about 400 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, to share greenhouse tips and technology.

Cobie Brosh, Israel's consul general in Toronto, visited the community Tuesday to discuss the project to construct greenhouses.

"In the open air sometimes it's hard to have flourishing agriculture — in Israel because of the hot weather, here because of the cold weather in the winter," Brosh said.

"The greenhouse is really the technology that can solve most of these problems," he said.

The Jewish National Fund, a charitable organization, and the province of Manitoba are sponsoring the project.

Brosh said Israel has shared information on greenhouses in 110 other countries.

"We are more than honoured and happy if we can share this know-how that we've acquired throughout the years with the community here in Grand Rapids and with other communities who find it necessary," he said.

Community plans to sell produce

Misipawistik Chief Ovide Mercredi said he hopes the new project will create a new revenue base for the community.

"We could sell those fresh vegetables to people that pass through our community on Highway Six and even deliver the produce as far away as Winnipeg," Mercredi said.

He also noted that the greenhouses might help improve the health of the community by making healthier foods more accessible.

"We have a high incidence of diabetes in Grand Rapids and through the greenhouse project we can produce the kind of vegetables that people need to combat that disease," he said.

Construction on the greenhouses is slated to begin in the next year with the hope that produce will be available for sale within three years, Brosh said.