Data highlights the significant contributions of five crops to the Manitoba economy

A new study is emphasizing the importance of Manitoba agriculture.

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) contracted information services company GlobalData to examine and assess the impact of Manitoba-grown wheat, barley, grain corn, sunflower and flax on the province’s economy. Durum was not included.

GlobalData found that the total economic impact of MCA’s five crop types averaged roughly $6.9 billion over the past three years, including more than 28,000 Manitoba jobs and $2.5 billion in wages.

MCA chair Robert Misko, who farms east of Roblin, Man., said the study showed the major role these crops play in the economic well-being of the province and the country.

“As farmers, we have long known our position in the system and how we contribute to the province’s success, but it is heartening to see those contributions laid out in a measurable way that anyone can understand,” Misko said.

Manitoba Crop Alliance is a commodity organization representing wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax farmers.

A full breakdown of the study can be found