MBP E-Newsletter: February 23/2024

Important changes to AgriStability start with the 2024 program year

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Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you farm in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon or Northwest Territories, the following changes will start with the 2024 program year:

• the final deadline to submit your AgriStability program forms will change

• new optional program features will be made available to participants

o tax-aligned reference margins

o coverage notices

Advancing deadlines

Starting with the 2024 program year, the final deadline to submit your AgriStability program forms will be:

• June 30, 2025 - initial deadline to submit your 2024 forms without penalty

• September 30, 2025 - final deadline to submit your 2024 forms with penalty

Tax-aligned reference margins

You can now choose to have your reference margins calculated based on the same method of accounting you file to tax (cash or accrual) going forward. For cash filers, this means you’ll no longer need to submit up to 5 years of historical accrual information, significantly reducing the information requirement.

To increase the predictability of the program, you can receive a coverage notice that provides an estimate of your reference margin and coverage level for the current program year. These coverages notices will be available to you if you have:

• enrolled in the program for the current program year

• elected to have a tax-aligned reference margin

• submitted your current year’s intended productive units

The coverage notices will be available during the program year and will help you better determine if you’ll be in a payment position and decide whether you need to provide the necessary program year supplementary information. If you believe you would not qualify for a payment, you don’t need to submit a final application.

More information on these program changes will be available soon.

AgriStability is delivered provincially in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island Participants in those provinces should contact their provincial administration for any potential program changes.

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agristability/re sources/important-changes-agristability-start-2024program-year

PRESENTED BY IN SUPPORT OF plus your local food bank!

GIVING BACK IN THE BEEFIEST WAY

HERE’S HOW: Order the Burger It Forward burger at participating restaurants to activate a donation to food banks.

FEBRUARY 1 st - 29 th, 2024

Highlights of January 1, 2024 Livestock Estimates

On February 23, 2024 Statistics Canada released its livestock estimates as of January 1, 2024 for cattle, hogs and sheep.

Of note, the Canadian herd shrank year over year, Canadian farmers held 11.1 million cattle and calves on their farms on January 1, 2024, down 2.1% from the same date the previous year and the smallest cattle herd size since January 1, 1989. However, in 2022, average warm carcass weights of cattle increased 18.0% compared with 1999, helping offset any decline in beef production over that period.

Canadian cattle producers retained less breeding stock on January 1, 2024, with year-over-year decreases observed in all breeding stock categories. Producers held fewer feeder heifers (0.7%), steers (-0.2%) and calves (-3.0%) compared with January 1, 2023.

From July to December 2023, the total disposition of cattle and calves was up 0.9% compared with July to December 2022, while total supply was down 1.5%. From July to December 2023, international imports of cattle and calves declined 25.7% to 153,400 head, and international exports of cattle and calves increased 14.0% to 389,200 head.

Locally, there were 920,000 head of on all cattle operations on January 1, 2024 in Manitoba versus 940,000 head on January 1, 2023.

For comparative purposes on all cattle operations in the province on January 1st:

2020 1,025,000 head

2021 1,005,000 head

2022 985,000 head

Broken down further based on January 1, 2023 vs January 1, 2024 in Manitoba:

• On beef operations: 865,300 (2023) versus 843,800 (2024)

• On cow/calf operations: 669,500 (2023) versus 650,200 (2024)

• On feeder and stocker operations: 121,800 (2023) versus 129,600 (2024)

• On feeding operations: 74,000 (2023) versus 64,000 (2024)

• On dairy operations: 74,700 (2023) versus 76,200 (2024)

For comparative purposes on all beef operations in the province on January 1st:

2020 – 944,500 head

2021 – 928,600 head

2022 – 907,700 head

On all cow-calf operations:

2020 – 722,200 head

2021 – 712,500 head

2021 – 684,600 head

On feeder and stocker operations:

2020 – 157,300 head

2021 – 151,100 head

2022 – 153,100 head

On feeding operations:

2020 – 65,000 head

2021 – 65,000 head

2022 – 70,000 head

On dairy operations:

2020 – 80,500

2021 – 76,400

2022 – 77,300

To see all the accompanying charts, go to: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dailyquotidien/240223/dq240223eeng.htm?utm_source=mstatcan&utm_medium=em l&utm_campaign=statcan-statcan-mstatcan

Manitoba Government Announces Ice-Jam Mitigation Underway on the Red River

(February 20, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government will begin its annual ice cutting program this week on the Red River from Selkirk to Netley Marsh to reduce the potential impacts of ice-jam related flooding. The ice cutting and breaking work will start on Feb. 20 and is expected to be completed on March 15.

The ice-jam mitigation program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and other rivers. Ice jams occur when floating ice blocks downstream movement, causing water to back up and possibly overflow riverbanks.

Remote-controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers are used each year to cut and break approximately 28 kilometres of ice on the river for an approximate width of 100

metres. Ice-cutting and breaking operations are frequently undertaken on the Icelandic River at Riverton and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion. Currently, ice-cutting operations are not expected to be required at Riverton or the Portage Diversion but the province will continue to monitor these areas.

Notices will be posted in areas where the icecutting machines are operating. River users are advised to stay off the ice where notices are posted or where evidence of recent ice cutting is apparent. Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts or other materials in the areas where the ice-mitigation program is taking place.

For more information and updates on Manitoba’s water conditions and forecasts, visit https://gov.mb.ca/mti/floodinfo/index.html

Saturday, February 24

Noodles, noodles, noodles! Chef Anna Borys is sharing her recipes for Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle + Beef Pad Thai. And we take a visit to Darlingford to meet the Lowry family.

Applications for the Youth Employment and Skills Program Opening Soon

(February 22, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, announced funding of approximately $13.5 million to support a new application intake under the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). The initiative will provide the agricultural sector with help needed to support approximately 1,200 jobs for youth in the sector.

The YESP offers support for 50% of wages up to a maximum of $14,000 to agriculture employers hiring Canadian youth. Employers that hire youth facing employment barriers will be eligible for 80% of the cost of salaries and benefits (to a maximum of $14,000) and may be eligible for an additional $5,000 to address specific obstacles to employment.

The program supports the following employees:

• Indigenous

• youth living with a disability – including physical, mental health related or learning disability

• racialized youth

• recent newcomers to Canada (within 5 years)

• single parent

• living in a low income household

• individual who left high school

• residing in a remote, northern and/or fly-in community

• living in an Official Language Minority Community

• 2SLGBTQQIA+

Employers can apply between February 26, 2024 and March 25, 2024 for their project to be considered. Applications from Indigenous employers will be prioritized for the 2024-2025 program year. Application forms for the YESP are available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program webpage. For additional information, contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada by email aafc.yesppecj.aac@agr.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-4525558.

Quotes

“Young people are the future of Canada’s agriculture industry, and we want to make sure that they can gain the experience they need to have a long and prosperous career in the sector. I encourage folks to take advantage of this program and the opportunities it holds – both for our youth and employers.”

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

Quick facts

• The YESP is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), an Employment and Social Development Canada-led initiative involving 12 federal departments and agencies. YESS is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

• Since the YESP began, approximately 5,100 youth have been employed in agricultural-related organizations from every province and territory. There have also been nearly 1,500 youth facing barriers employed through the program since its inception in 2019.

Associated links

• AAFC Youth Employment and Skills Program

• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) –Employment and Social Development Canada

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this communiqué on behalf of the federal, provincial and territorial ministers’ meeting on emergency management.

Communiqué

FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, And TERRITORIAL MINISTERS MET TO DISCUSS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

For immediate release

OTTAWA, February 21, 2024 – Today, ministers moved Canada’s resilience to emergencies forward. The future may hold increasingly difficult emergencies, particularly in light of the significant increase in climate-related and other disasters that provinces and territories are facing. The federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers are confident that we can and will manage emergencies in a coordinated and collaborative way; it is our shared commitment to Canadians.

Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for emergency management met in Ottawa today to discuss progress on the work to build further resilience from coast to coast to coast for future emergencies, focusing on prevention and mitigation initiatives as well as robust response and recovery capabilities.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and the Honourable Lisa Naylor, Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management This meeting was preceded by one on February 20, between FPT ministers and National Indigenous Organizations on shared priorities and strengthening Indigenous emergency management

After the record-setting and widespread impact of wildfires, flooding and other climate-related disasters in 2023, ministers shared lessons learned and discussed how best to put those lessons to work to prepare for potential emergencies in 2024 and build stronger resilience for all Canadians.

Ministers discussed the importance of public awareness and understanding disaster risks within their respective jurisdictions and noted Emergency Preparedness Week will take place from May 5-11, 2024. The theme for this week is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.

Emergency Management Strategy: Areas for Action

Ministers approved the release of the Advancing the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Emergency Management Strategy: Areas for Action This new, evergreen action plan advances work in the five priority areas of activity delineated in the Emergency Management Strategy. This strategy sets out a first-ever shared federal-provincial-territorial vision for strong, resilient communities and calls for strengthened collaboration among all partners in emergency management, in accordance with each government’s respective priorities, roles and responsibilities

Pan-Canadian Civilian Response

Disaster response relies on a broad cross-section of society, in addition to governments, including notfor-profit and volunteer organizations, that often provide critical on-the-ground support and are a key component of pan-Canadian response efforts. At today’s meeting, ministers discussed initiatives to augment civilian response capacity in their respective jurisdictions and reiterated the importance of

collaborative work in this area. They also discussed work to engage stakeholders and Indigenous partners to support a dialogue on longer-term approaches

Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements

Ministers discussed the status of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements modernization and the themes that will be addressed, including climate resilience; putting people first; housing protection; and addressing inequalities. Building on the results of an independent Expert Advisory Panel, the federal government gathered input throughout 2023 from provincial and territorial governments as part of the federal process to modernize disaster financial assistance. The new program would launch in April 2025. Ministers reiterated the need for a transparent and collaborative process.

National Public Alerting System

The National Public Alerting System (NPAS) provides emergency management organizations across the country with a standard alerting capability to warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards. Today, ministers discussed the status of FPT work in strengthening the sustainability and governance of this system, including considerations for the development of a future public alerting framework. This work would consider the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission and the long-term viability of the current system. Ministers also heard about the new Earthquake Early Warning system, which will use the NPAS starting in spring 2024 to provide seconds of warning to prevent catastrophic impacts

Public Safety Broadband Network

A Public Safety Broadband Network is a secure, high-speed, wireless data communications network for use by first responders and public safety personnel to communicate with each other in emergency situations, planned events, and day-to-day operations Today, ministers discussed next steps to advance this file, including upcoming federally-led engagement that could inform a national governance framework for a Public Safety Broadband Network

Flood Resilience

Flooding is the most frequent and costly natural disaster. Ministers discussed their respective work and opportunities for collaboration on the integrated flood risk management approach. This includes reconstituting the FPT Task Force on Flood Insurance to advance the work on a low-cost flood insurance program. Ministers also discussed how they collaborate with their respective partners such as municipalities, Indigenous leadership and communities, and other stakeholders to develop and provide, accessible flood risk hazard information for Canada

Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award

Ministers recognized the selfless service and incredible achievement of the emergency management and search and rescue community across Canada. To honour their contributions, ministers launched the next call for nominations for the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award; a partnership between provincial, territorial and federal governments. The nomination period will be open from February 21, 2024, to August 1, 2024.

Ministers closed the meeting with a commitment to meet again in late 2024.

Meeting with National Indigenous Organization Leaders

On February 20, FPT ministers met with leaders of National Indigenous Organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. Together, they shared their priorities and views on important emergency management issues, including prevention and preparedness activities, emergency response, and strengthening First Nations, Inuit and Métis

emergency management capacity and collaboration.

QUOTES

“Climate change knows no borders, and in Canada, we are seeing its effects constantly. Today, we moved Canada’s resilience to emergencies forward. Our emergency management system is complex but when we work as closely as we did during this meeting of ministers, we achieve progress. Our future may hold increasingly difficult emergencies, whether they are climate related or linked to other potential threats. As we strengthen our relationships, we are confident that we can and will manage them in a coordinated and collaborative way; it is our shared commitment to Canadians ”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan

President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“Resilience in the face of emergencies and disasters is a critical part of keeping our country safe. We are committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government, including Indigenous Peoples and our federal, provincial and territorial partners, to build a robust emergency management system that focuses on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.”

The Honourable Lisa Naylor

Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management.

RELATED LINKS

• Emergency Management Strategy Areas for Action

• Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) (publicsafety.gc.ca)

• National Public Alerting System (publicsafety.gc.ca)

• Public Safety Broadband Network

• Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award (publicsafety.gc.ca)

CONTACTS

Joanna Kanga

Press Secretary and Outreach Advisor

Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada joanna.kanga@kpc-cpr.gc.ca

Manitoba Government Communications and Engagement:

Phone: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744

Email: newsroom@gov.mb.ca

Media requests for ministerial comment: cabcom@manitoba.ca

Media Relations

Public Safety Canada

613-991-0657

media@ps-sp.gc.ca

Minister MacAulay opens Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

February 21, 2024 – Manila, Philippines –Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Canada has strong business and people-topeople ties across the Indo-Pacific region, and the Government of Canada will continue working to create new opportunities for Canadian farmers, producers, and the agri-food sector with key trading partners.

While in Manila, Philippines, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined Canadian stakeholders, government partners, and dignitaries to officially open Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) and begin a new chapter for Canada’s engagement in the region. This announcement comes at the midway point in Minister MacAulay’s productive trade mission to two key Indo-Pacific markets: Malaysia and the Philippines.

The IPAAO’s unique model will bring a regional lens to the Indo-Pacific. Its mobile team will operate from a hub in Manila and work to build strategic partnerships that will grow our export opportunities and increase the demand for Canadian products. The IPAAO will leverage Canada’s expertise as a world leader in food safety and sustainability with that of our IndoPacific partners to tackle common challenges.

The first cohort of IPAAO staff is already on the ground, working with partners to advance shared priorities, such as food security, create mutually beneficial opportunities, build on strong relationships and enhance technical cooperation, market access and trade.

The Indo-Pacific region currently accounts for over one-third of the world’s economic activity, and in 2023, Canada's agriculture and agri-food exports to the region reached $22.8 billion. The opening of the IPAAO supports the economic pillar of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and

demonstrates our commitment to the region and our Indo-Pacific partnerships.

Quotes

“I’m so pleased to be in Manila to open Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. We export nearly half of what we produce in Canada and the global demand continues to grow. I have no doubt this office will play a central role in growing export markets for our world-class Canadian farmers and increasing collaboration and cooperation in this important region.”

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

“Today’s opening of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila marks an exciting milestone in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy! This office will expand our trade network at home and abroad, and create opportunities for Canadian businesses working in the agriculture and agri-food sector. I look forward to seeing the new office in person, later this year, during our Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines. ”

- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

"The Indo-Pacific provides a unique opportunity for growth and diversification for Canadian pulses. This office demonstrates the Government of Canada’s support for our sector proactively breaking down market access barriers and playing a direct role in expanding exports of high-quality, sustainable pulses across the region."

- Kevin Auch, Chair, Pulse Canada

“Canada’s 43,000 canola farmers rely on trade, 90% of the canola grown in Canada is exported

continued on pages 10-12

Minister MacAulay opens Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

as seed, oil, and meal. The opening of the IPAAO sends a strong signal to our trading partners in the region that Canada is serious about market access, maintenance, and development. The IPAAO is a key part of our strategy to diversify our export markets and establish long lasting relationships in the Indo-Pacific.”

- Dave Carey, Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations, Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA)

“The Indo-Pacific region represents both key established markets as well as diversification opportunities for Canadian canola. Additional resources and an enhanced and sustained presence in the region are important to advancing both market access and market development efforts to support the growth and competitiveness of our industry and the broader sector.”

- Chris Davison, Canola Council of Canada

“The Indo-Pacific is an important and growing region for Canadian cereals, representing approximately $2.3 billion CDN in annual purchases. We are pleased to see the opening of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office and we look forward to working with IPAAO staff to build existing relationships and foster new partnerships in the region.”

- Dean Dias, CEO, Cereals Canada.

“Canada’s export-oriented grain sector contributes over $140 billion to our GDP and accounts for 1 in 9 jobs across the country. Market diversification is critical for producers to secure the best price for their grain and the Indo-Pacific region presents the largest opportunity for our sector. We are proud to see the opening of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office and we look forward to

working together to grow, open, and sustain markets across the region."

- Andre Harpe, Chair, Grain Growers of Canada

“Canada’s agri-food exporters welcome the opening of this office, strengthening Canada’s presence in regional markets that are vital to our long-term prosperity.”

- Michael Harvey, Executive Director, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)

“More than anywhere else, we need to be present in the Indo-Pacific region and this office will help us do that. We’re thrilled that Canada is now better positioned to prevent and address market access issues so that our trade can be more stable and more valuable.”

- Brian Innes, Executive Director, Soy Canada

“The Indo-Pacific region is populated by strong seafood cultures. The Canadian seafood sector sees tremendous opportunity to our expand exports of delicious, high-quality Canadian fish and seafood. Our members look forward to working with the IPAAO to realize those opportunities.”

- Paul Lansbergen, President, Fisheries Council of Canada

“The Canadian Food Exporters Association is thrilled that there will be a dedicated office in the Indo-Pacific region to assist Canadian agrifood companies. Our association is looking forward to working with the staff in this office to promote and increase the interest for Canadian agri-food products.”

- Susan Powell, President & CEO, Canadian Food Exporters Association

“Through the successful CPTPP and other significant trade agreements, we have seen export opportunities continue for our high-

Minister MacAulay opens Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

quality Canadian beef to the Indo-Pacific region including with countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. We are pleased to see the Government of Canada supporting our global trade efforts by opening this Indo-Pacific office, supporting our valued strategic partnership, and opening more trade avenues for Canadian beef producers.”

- Nathan Phinney, President, Canadian Cattle Association

“We’re thrilled to see the years of work from the team at AAFC and from the agriculture industry bear fruit with this announcement. This milestone will help all of us in Canadian agriculture expand our presence in the region, and we look forward to many years of promoting our products more directly in the Indo-Pacific, thanks to the team at this new office. Bravo Team Canada!”

- René Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council

“Canadian cattle feeders welcome the opening of the IPAAO and consider it a critical component of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. This office will provide opportunities to grow existing markets and develop new markets for Canadian beef products.”

- Janice Tranberg, President and CEO, National Cattle Feeders’ Association

“Today marks an important day for Canada’s red meat packers, processors and producers as this office will permit us to deepen relationships that further enrich trade for our sector with the IndoPacific region. An ardent ally, Minister MacAulay continues to prioritize collaboration to strengthen reciprocal market access for Canadian red meat and we are grateful for his leadership to reinforce our global presence.”

- Chris White, President and CEO, Canadian Meat Council

Quick facts

• Encompassing 40 economies, over four billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity, the Indo-Pacific region is the world’s fastest-growing region and home to 11 of Canada’s top 20 trading partners.

• Backed by a $31.8 million federal government investment, Canada’s IndoPacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) is a joint initiative by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

• The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that support a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agrifood. CAFTA represents 90% of farmers who depend on trade and ranchers, producers, processors, and agri-food exporters who want to grow the economy through better access to international markets.

• The Canada Brand provides Canadian exporters with a stronger international presence by helping them leverage Canada's positive reputation around the world. Export-ready companies can sign-up for free

Related products

• Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

• Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan

Minister MacAulay opens Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

• Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and Vietnam

• Canada Brand Program

• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Associated links

• Minister MacAulay announces inaugural Executive Director of new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

• Minister MacAulay concludes successful trip to Vietnam, Japan and South Korea

to open doors for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector

• Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office industry meeting

• Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy to support growth and prosperity for the agriculture and agri-food sector

• Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)

SUSTAINABILITY OF CANADIAN AGRICULTURE

2024 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

MARCH 12 - 14, 2024

Embracing Change for a Sustainable Future

Tuesday, March 12

Keynote: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Panel session: The Role of Indigenous Perspectives in Reshaping our Food Systems

Wednesday, March 13 HOLOS model workshop

Ted Poyser lecture in soil health

Panel session: Water....At the Root of it All

Thursday, March 14

Panel session: Adopting Precision Technologies for a Sustainable Future

Photo: D.J. Cattani

Graduate Student Research Video Competition