Survey asks questions about KAP’s funding model
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Farmers in Manitoba are encouraged to participate in a survey about Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP).
The Manitoba government may make changes to KAP’s funding model. The survey is designed to get the public’s opinion on potential changes.
“The current approach to funding our province’s general farm organization is overly complex, inefficient and unlike any other system in the country,” Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler said in a release.
The Province announced at Manitoba Ag Days in January that it would be reviewing KAP’s funding structure as part of its goal to reduce red tape in the ag industry.
The review is an even more important measure because some view Manitoba as the worst province in Canada when it comes to red tape in general.
One of the questions appearing on the survey.
“We’ve been flagged by third parties outside (Manitoba) as being among the worst,” Ron Koslowsky, Manitoba vice president for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, told Pembina Valley Online. “It is really high time for a change.”
And officials are using the survey as a stepping stone to reduce the hurdles and red tape faced by the farmers.
“Our government is committed to working with KAP and farmers across Manitoba to erase administrative burdens and reduce red tape for the industry,” Eichler said in the release. “This feedback we collect through this online resource will be essential in helping inform how our government can improve the process to fund membership in a far more efficient manner.”
The online survey is available until March 9. The survey can also be submitted by fax, email or regular mail.
Farms.com is reaching out to farmers in Manitoba to uncover their thoughts on the survey and if they feel KAP’s financial structure requires a review.