Governments of Canada and Manitoba announce over $1.9 million distributed to support sustainable farming in Manitoba

From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

News release

July 31, 2023 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing over $1.9 million in funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to 54 projects supporting sustainable farming in Manitoba through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Minister of Agriculture Derek Johnson announced today.

There are two streams of funding provided through the RALP: Watershed Resilience and Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience that support on-farm management practices and projects that sequester carbon and improve sustainability through grassland management and agroforestry practices, such as maintaining and restoring grasslands and wetlands.

The Watershed Resilience stream provides funding to watershed districts to collaborate with farmers to implement projects on agroforestry, grasslands and grazing management, natural upland area enhancement and rejuvenation, riparian area enhancement, water retention and runoff management, and wetland restoration and enhancement.

Selected watershed districts will receive up to $100,000 per project at 100% of the total approved eligible costs and projects will be completed within 18 months. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local watershed districts to inquire about any potential programming that may be available.

The Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience stream provides funding to community pastures, Agricultural Crown Land forage leaseholders, Indigenous farmers and communities, and farmers outside of watershed district boundaries to support on-farm projects that increase the productivity of grasslands that support a strong and viable livestock industry in Manitoba. These projects enhance valuable ecological goods and services and provide mitigation and adaptation practices to support producers in a changing climate.

Selected applicants will receive a maximum of $15,000 per project at 75% of the total approved eligible costs and projects will be completed within 18 months.

Projects were evaluated on their ability to increase the environmental resilience of agricultural landscapes by adopting practices that increase environmental benefits that:

  • improve soil and water quality
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • reduce stream-bank degradation
  • improve nutrient and water retention
  • improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat

Projects under RALP will enhance Manitoba’s commitment to improve the productivity of Agricultural Crown Lands, improved soil health and implement on-the-ground actions identified in Manitoba’s Protein Strategy and the Water Management Strategy, Minister Johnson added.

Quotes

“As good stewards of the land, Manitoba producers are prepared to embrace new, proactive on-farm projects that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Support for sustainable farming projects through these programs helps producers take a leadership role in shaping the future of Manitoba’s resilient agriculture sector.”

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Manitoba farmers know the success of their business depends on good stewardship of the land. We are proud to support them as they work to maintain and restore grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands. This work is not just beneficial to the farmers; it contributes to the environmental and economic benefit to all Manitobans.”

- Derek Johnson, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture

“We would like to thank the province for their confidence in watershed districts’ ability to successfully deliver programs like RALP, and for recognizing that the watershed district program is an effective method for water and land management throughout the province. Watershed districts are committed to educating communities on the importance of land management and supporting landowners to implement projects that protect and enhance their local landscapes. MAW is pleased to work with the province to support the districts in their efforts."

- Gerry Wasylowski, Chair, Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW).

Quick facts

  • The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

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Contacts

For media:

Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
simon.lafortune@agr.gc.ca 
343-549-0778

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972 
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca 
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