Manitoba Beef Producersis pleased with the provincial government’s continued support of agriculture as a handful of positive developments emerged from the Nov. 21 Throne Speech.
The speech touched on a number of topics of importance to the province’s beef industry, notably, Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives(MBFI), the forthcoming Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), biosecurity and modernizing Crown lands policies.
“It is encouraging to have a provincial government thatsees agriculture as a priority,” said MBP President Ben Fox. “The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is greatly anticipated by the industry and we are happy to learn the government plansto invest CAP dollarsin capturing emerging market opportunities. As we work towards growing our Manitoba beef industry capturing new markets will be critical. The government’s desire to improve environmental outcomesis certainly in step with the current focus of the beef industry and we welcome further investment through CAP.
“As a core partner in MBFI, we are proud of the progressthe project has made in a short time and couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds. The government’srecognition of the promise MBFI holds was encouraging for all involved.”
Fox added the work to modernize Crown lands policies has been a focusfor MBP. With Manitoba set to enter the New West Partnership the opportunity has arisen forsome important changesto regulations and policies.
“We look at this as an opportunity to fully engage on behalf of producersto get common sense, transparency and some lease‐holder rightsinto the revamped rules,” Fox said.
The recently announced Climate and Green Plan was also mentioned in the Throne Speech. The province’s carbon pricing plan is expected to come into effect in 2018 and MBP will continue to monitor developments around the plan to ensure the needs and concerns of the beef industry are front of mind. MBP will also continue to lobby the government to recognize the role that beef production can play in carbon sequestration.
“Thisis an important time forthe provincial beef industry asthere are a number of mattersto deal with as we work to grow our industry and that wasreflected in the Throne Speech. We will continue to advocate with the government to see that needs of our members are met.”
Source : Manitoba Beef Producers