The Agricultural Biosciences International Conference (ABIC) is coming to Winnipeg for the first time next year.

Speaking to bioscience researchers and industry leaders at this year’s conference in Fargo, North Dakota, Manitoba’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Dori Gingera-Beauchemin said her department was excited to have partnered with the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba to host next year’s event.

“It’s my pleasure to accept the torch for next year’s conference,” she said after receiving a symbolic glass flame from the chairman of this year’s conference, Roger Reierson.

“We know you do yeoman’s work and we are so excited about having the opportunity to host you next year,” said Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler, who — while unable to attend in person — spoke to the crowd via a short video.

“We have so much to share with you and we know that together we can make a difference,” he added.

The international conference was first held in Saskatoon in 1996 and has been held in Canada a total of eight times. It has also taken place in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Thailand, South Africa and New Zealand.

Next year’s conference will be held September 25 to 28.