Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is outlining its four priorities for the next federal government.
“Ongoing drought conditions pose a significant challenge to Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry,” said KAP President Bill Campbell. “It is important for every political party to recognize the importance of agriculture at a time when producers in all sectors and all regions of our province are struggling.”
KAP is calling on the federal political parties to focus on four areas: business risk management programs to support producers, the role of producers as environmental stewards, economic development and public trust in agriculture.
“Improvements in these areas will be essential to the success of agriculture in Manitoba,” added Campbell. “KAP is ready to work with producers, farm organizations and all levels of government to ensure that agriculture remains sustainable and profitable.”
KAP is a member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, which recently released its priorities for the federal political parties. These priorities can be found here.
KAP Backgrounder:
Business Risk Management
Producers face many uncontrollable economic and production risks every year. Business risk management programs can, with some adjustment, provide effective support for the industry. Programs should enable producers to strategically manage operational risks that are outside of their control and focus on predictability, stability and timeliness.
Environment
Producers are environmental stewards and implement sustainable farming practices to ensure a viable agricultural industry for future generations. Incentive-based programming is an important way for producers to adapt to and mitigate climate change. As governments develop policies and programs to assist producers, it is important to recognize the ecological goods and services that producers provide, and the significant cost implications of on-farm projects.
Economic Development
Economic development is important to the success of Manitoba’s rural residents and farm families. Governments must consider the unique needs of rural Manitoba and address infrastructure, rural connectivity, shortline railway funding and childcare accessibility.
Public Trust
Agricultural producers are proud of their work and the safe and healthy food they provide for Canadians. Providing consumers with facts breaks down false assumptions and promotes evidence-based viewpoints. This includes information about food production, processing, property rights, technology, trade and the economic and environmental contribution of producers
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