The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.
The first phase of the PWCP, launched in 2022, was highly successful, distributing over $69 million across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. More than 4,100 producers and landowners participated in implementing Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs), which include nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. The program aimed to enhance climate resilience while maintaining farm productivity. Lynda Nicol, executive director of MAW was excited to share the news.
"We are thrilled to continue to offer the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program in Manitoba through Manitoba’s watershed districts. The success of the pilot phase project can be directly attributed to the work on the ground done by watershed district staff and the relationships they have with local communities."
With the extension of funding, the PWCP Nichol will focus solely on Manitoba, ensuring uninterrupted support for local producers.
"We have just over $40 million over the next three years to support continued expansion and adoption of these practices. All of that funding is accessed directly through Manitoba’s watershed districts."
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