Busy Year For KAP

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) President and Minto-area Farmer Bill Campbell is looking back on a busy year.

Campbell took over the presidency from Dan Mazier during the summer, after Mazier stepped down to pursue a career in federal politics.

Campbell says the situation surrounding the carbon tax was front and centre all year long.

"There's lots of negotiations and lots of conversations and lots of lobbying and different opinions on that part of it but the carbon tax is going to be front and centre in 2019, that's for sure. We are part of consultations and meetings and having our input with regards to agriculture, where it fits in the scheme of the carbon tax because agriculture is one of the solutions for this part with what we do. We want to be part of the conversation."

He adds one of the positive developments from the past year was the passing of the Transportation Modernization Act (Bill C-49), noting grain seems to be flowing a lot better this year.

Another focus heading into 2019 will be the issue surrounding the increase in farmland taxes.

"We have not heard anything yet with regards to the education review," commented Campbell. "We want to be part of that. We have had some preliminary indication with input on that part of it. We certainly will be front and centre on that review and trying to bring agriculture's view on these escalating taxes that we have. Even the property taxes, with regards to assessments that we now have on our farmland and our portion of what we pay for services in our local RM's."

Other key issues include the ongoing drainage regulation review being done by the province, in addition to changes coming under the Crown Lands Amendment Act.

Plant breeders' rights will also be a focus going forward.

KAP is hoping to have a new general manager in place early in the New Year.