Q3

An update from MBP August 5, 2022 mbbeef.ca

CRTC Broadband Fund to allocate $20.5 million for mobile wireless and Internet access services in Manitoba, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador (August 4, 2022 Canadian Radio television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) News Release) The CRTC announced that ten projects will receive up to $20.5 million in funding from the Broadband Fund. The projects will support the rollout of fourth generation (also known as LTE or LTE A) mobile wireless access along 425 kilometres of roads and highways in Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. They will also support improved Internet and mobile wireless access that will benefit 2,250 households in 35 communities, including five Indigenous communities and one official language minority community, in the three provinces.

The Broadband Fund will allocate funds to the following service providers in Manitoba: • Bell Canada (Manitoba) • Bell Mobility Inc. (Manitoba and Quebec) With the announcement, the Broadband Fund has The funding recipients will provide mobile wireless services or fixed broadband Internet access services that either meet the universal service objective or move communities closer to attaining it.

Quotes “Since the first funding announcement from the Broadband Fund in 2020, more communities, households, and roads have access to better and faster Internet and voice services. These services are an important part of Canada’s public safety infrastructure. We are proud that our Broadband Fund is assisting in connecting more people and making them feel safer on the road. The new projects announced today will benefit communities and areas continued on page 4

E-Newsletter dsfsfa

Prior to receiving funding, recipients must complete a statement of work setting out the details of each project, including schedules and costs, which must be approved by the CRTC. Construction for most projects announced today will start in late 2022 to early 2023.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

o For calf losses, the compensation will provide assistance based on a 500 lb. cow.

• Assistance for livestock losses will be calculated as follows:

o For losses that happened some time ago, the producer should contact their veterinarian, explain the situation, and obtain the needed certificate.

Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 23, 2022

• Frequently asked questions about DFA: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/faq.html

• For complete program details and to download the DFA application form, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/farm.html

• The application deadline for the spring 2022 DFA program has been extended to September 23, 2022.

• For other inquiries contact Manitoba’s Emergency Measures organization as follows:

• Manitoba Beef Producers has helped develop a template that vets can use to support the producer’s DFA application and this information is being circulated to them In the veterinary certificate the cause of loss needs to be attributed to the ‘2022 spring flood’ and the date of loss should be stated. This form is also available on the “DFA for Farm” page on the EMO website under “Step 2: Apply and mandatory documents.” See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/farm.html

o Is based on the Wildlife Damage Compensation program for predation losses (MASC). See: https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/fact_sheet_679_wildlife_damage_livestock.html

• To view a video on how to apply for DFA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0S_STwXlP0

• DFA will provide assistance to farms that have experienced livestock losses as a result of spring flooding in 2022. To qualify for DFA, your farm must have yearly gross revenues of between $10,000 and $2 million and employ no more than 20 full time workers. It must be an owner operated business and the owner operator must be the day to day manager. The farm cannot be a hobby farm

o Will provide a price per pound for livestock losses. The price is based on the Canfax value on the date of loss (www.canfax.ca)

o Different types of cattle are priced differently on Canfax, so therefore the farm will need to provide details on the type of livestock that were lost as well as the animal’s weight.

o Toll Free: 1 888 267 8298 Fax: (204) 945 4929 Email: dfa@gov.mb.ca

Disaster Financial Assistance Program and Livestock Losses

o Note: The cost to obtain the veterinary certificate can be submitted as a DFA eligible cost

• Program webinars presentations: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/pdfs/2022_dfa_webinars_pr.pdf

On May 9, 2022 the Manitoba government announced Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) related to damages to infrastructure, private residences, farms or small businesses due to spring flooding. DFA will also assist with verified livestock losses. The following information has been provided by the provincial government and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) to help producers as they consider making a claim under the DFA program.

• Producers should also examine the DFA eligibility criteria related to infrastructure damage to determine if there are any other losses for which they may be eligible to seek compensation.

• In the DFA application form, producers should note the number and types of cattle lost, e.g. calves, fed steers, fed heifers, bulls, etc. Under the DFA program criteria, a veterinary certificate is required to verify that the losses were a direct result of the event. This is non negotiable.

• The CRTC Broadband Fund will provide up to $750 million over the first five years to support projects that improve broadband Internet access services and mobile wireless services in underserved areas in Canada. It is designed to complement private sector investments and public sector initiatives.

• The universal service objective for mobile wireless service is the use of the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology (currently long term evolution [LTE]) in Canadian homes and businesses and on major transportation roads. The target for fixed Internet access service is that all Canadians households have access to download speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps, with an unlimited data option.

• In 2020, 99.5% of Canadians and 88.5% of major roads and highways had access to mobile wireless services using the latest generally deployed technology (currently LTE service).

• Given the current state of telecommunications infrastructure in Canada, the CRTC expects fixed broadband Internet access service at the universal service objective level to be available in 100% of Canadian homes and businesses by 2030 or sooner.

Backgrounder on the Manitoba Projects Bell Mobility Inc.; Manitoba Mobile: LTE A, with up to unlimited data 20 km of roads near Camperville (roads only) and an approximate contribution of $487K Bell Canada; Manitoba Access: Download/upload speeds from 10/10 Mbps to 1,500/940 Mbps with unlimited data Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake (600 households) and an approximate contribution of $863K

Quick facts

Wireless and Internet services – cont.

• In 2020, 50/10 Mbps service with unlimited data options, which corresponds to the level of the CRTC’s universal service objective regarding fixed broadband Internet access service, was available to 89.7% of Canadian households (compared to 87.4% in 2019), while 54.4% of rural Canadians had access to the same service.

• Applications were assessed based on many factors, including their technical merit, financial viability, level of community consultation, and the amount of funding committed from other sources both public and private.

• In November 2019, the CRTC issued its second call for applications for projects to improve broadband Internet access services and mobile wireless services across Canada. The second call generated 586 valid applications requesting more than $1.5 billion in total funding.

The Honourable Marie Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food

(August 2, 2022 Canadian Food Inspection Agency News Release) Throughout August, the CFIA is asking Canadians to check for invasive pests in their own backyard in honour of Tree Check Month. Trees and plants are essential to maintaining Canada's clean air, natural spaces, parks, gardens, and a healthy economy. However, certain invasive insects, diseases, and other organisms threaten the health of Canadian trees and plant life. Invasive species are most often introduced and spread throughout Canada via human activity, such as trade and the movement of firewood or outdoor equipment. For example, pests can hitch a ride unseen in firewood, dirt and outdoor equipment (vehicles, trailers, camping gear, etc.). Climate change can also contribute to the spread of invasive species by changing environments so pests can survive where they couldn't before. We can all take action to be aware of threats and do our part to protect the trees that give us food, shade, clean air and water, wellbeing and so much more. The CFIA's invasive pest cards and pest fact sheets make it easy and simple to know where to look and what look for and most importantly, how to report pests of concern. Apps like iNaturalist are also excellent for helping to identify potential pests. Check local parks, gardens and even backyards and vehicles for any unwelcome pests. Contact the CFIA if you suspect you have found an invasive plant, insect, disease, snail or other plant pest foreign to the area. This summer, remember to prevent the spread of pests, don't move firewood: buy and burn local or heat treated (kiln dried) firewood. Citizen reporting is not only critical to help the CFIA identify pests before they spread, but checking trees is an important task that happens to also be a fun activity! The Plant Health Hero challenge is open to anyone in Canada and features activities for youth. Challenge your friends, family and neighbours to get outside, enjoy a walk and check their trees. Share your photos of kids checking trees on social media using #SeedlingScientist. Together we can protect Canada's green spaces. Quotes "The health of trees and other plants is essential to the quality of our environment. Throughout the month of August, I invite Canadians of all ages to pay close attention to the green spaces around us and to the life they support. Being on the lookout for pests protects our forests, our agriculture and our food security."

continued on page 6

"Examining the local trees and environment has a considerable impact on tree and plant health. The power of everyday citizen scientists should not be underestimated. The finding and reporting from even one person could be a big help to Canadian tree and plant health."

Branching out: Involving all Canadians in Tree Check Month

David Bailey, Chief Plant Health Officer for Canada and Executive Director, Plant Health and Biosecurity, CFIA

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Branching out: Involving all Canadians in Tree Check Month The Canadian Food Inspection Agency dubbed August as Tree Check Month to mobilize community scientists and help keep Canada's trees healthy and free from invasive species and pests. This tree check form from the Invasive Species Centre will help you know what to look for when checking trees. Small actions can make a big difference. Help protect trees by: o learning about and reporting unusual insects, invasive plants or plant diseases to the CFIA inspection.canada.ca/peststhrough or social media or via apps like iNaturalist o monitoring trees for sudden or unusual changes: assess the entire tree, then focus on smaller areas like the roots, trunk, branches and leaves, noting any insect holds, bark cracks and tunnels under bark that has come off o buying and burning only local or heat treated firewood to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer and other pests that hide in firewood checking trees, campers, equipment and items stored outside to remove insects and egg masses o removing soil from footwear, gear and equipment before packing up so as not to move pests encouraging kids to be plant health heroes through fun and interactive youth activity booklets o making sure that seeds, plants, plant products (whether decorative or for consumption) or organisms (for example, insects or snails) you bring into Canada or send to other countries meet the import requirements of the destination country the CFIA can help, check with the CFIA first. links Get involved in Tree Check Month health podcasts, videos and and Protect insects Blog: What's in my firewood, and why should it matter?

Associated

HEALTHYFARMERS Klinic Community HealthProgram .--.............-.' I SUPPORTLINE.CA Toll-free 1-866-367-3276

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) can seek registration and offset credits under voluntary offset credit programs for GHG emissions reductions generated with the support of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. The ability of ultimate recipients to participate in these markets will be subject to eligibility requirements set up by voluntary offset programs.

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program Approach

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) cannot apply to any regulatory carbon offset program for the GHG emissions reductions generated between the Project Eligibility Date (“February 7, 2022 “) and the Project Completion Date (“March 31, 2024“) including those dates.

ACTION FUND (OFCAF): PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (PWCP)

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program: Manitoba and Saskatchewan

BMP: COVER CROPS FACT SHEET: JUNE 2022

2. Nitrogen Management

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) works with producers to increase the implementation of select Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) on farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The BMPs eligible under the PWCP focus on three categories: 1. Rotational Grazing

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA’S AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ON-FARM CLIMATE

PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (On Farm Climate Action Fund)

Support for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC) through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist producers address climate change. Read the media release here

• PWCP takes a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture and supporting producers to implement BMPs that have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.

• 85 per cent of funding goes towards adoption of BMPs and BMP education/awareness activities for agricultural producers, who are the Ultimate Recipients of the program

• PWCP is delivered by Manitoba’s Watershed Districts and the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW).

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is the lead organization managing the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) - an up to $40 million AAFC OFCAF project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan from February 7, 2022 – March 31, 2024.

o GHG Emission Reduction Credits restrictions for Ultimate Recipients only apply to the fiscal year(s) in which the Ultimate Recipient receives funding.

• The project is overseen by an advisory committee of stakeholders led by MAW.

3. Cover Cropping

Important Program Points to Note

• All payments made to Ultimate Recipients for BMP adoption in the areas of nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing are to be considered “farm support payments” as per subsection 234(2) of the Income Tax Act R.S.C 1985. As such all payments to farmers are to be considered income for the farm business and are subject to Income Tax.

• MAW will be preparing and submitting annually to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) AGR 1 forms for each PWCP payment to Ultimate Recipients.

• An Ultimate Recipient who participates in any of the eligible BMP activities in the 2022 2023 program year can apply for the same eligible activities on the same land for the 2023 2024 program year.

BMP: COVER CROPS FACTPageSHEET2

The PWCP will distribute part of Canada’s contribution to producers for the adoption and on farm implementation of cover cropping BMPs that are recommended by a professional agrologist, agronomist or certified crop advisor. Funding will support BMPs that focus on the use of regionally appropriate cover crops in field crops and horticultural operations to protect soil from erosion, enhance soil organic matter and provide undisturbed cover over winter, which may only include:

PWCP BMP: COVER CROPS: INCREASING ADOPTION OF COVER CROPPING

• Planning and Technical assessments when needed (e.g., agronomic services)

• Producers are eligible for a maximum of $75,000 of OFCAF funding, including all eligible activities across all BMPs for the project period to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on farm beneficial management practices (BMPs) to reduce GHG emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency on their farm operations.

• To assist producers with their adoption of all three BMPs, PWCP will offer producers resources to support BMP implementation.

• Fall planted cover crops as well as spring planted cover crops underseeded with the main crop (intercropping) and full-season annual and/or perennial cover crops in rotation;

• Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land

• An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding.

A cover crop is grown for the protection and enhancement of the soil and provides a number of ecological services. These may include: (i) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) to reduce leaching, (iii) to provide nitrogen to the next crop, (iv) to reduce erosion, (v) to improve soil structure and soil hydric properties (vi) to reduce parasite pressure on crops, (vii) to prevent weed growth, (viii) to increase the biodiversity of the farming landscape and environment.

How PWCP Can Help The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program is helping producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to deploy real, measurable, and practical climate solutions for agriculture in the Canadian Prairies by assisting them to implement cover crop practices.

How Does Cover Cropping Improve Soil Health and Reduce GHG Emissions

BMP: COVER CROPS FACTPageSHEET3

o Be new practices for an operation, or

Seed and Seeding Costs to Plant Regionally Approved Cover Crops

o Be recommended by an agronomist, agrologist, Certified Crop Advisor

• Cover crops need to be sustained over the winter and the minimum height is 6 inches (15 cm).

• Invoices and Proof of Purchase must accompany program rebate applications.

o Be expanded from what has been practiced in prior years on new land or new acres than prior years,

Ineligible Activities: Cover Crop BMP

• Cover crops planted that will take land permanently out of production are not eligible.

• Continuing implementation of an existing practice at the same degree as prior years.

• Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land.

• Producers may use seed from their own inventory provided that the seed meets the requirements of the program. This seed is not eligible for payments but can be part of the in kind contribution of the producer to the project.

• Funded projects must:

• All activities must have commenced on or after February 7, 2022 and be completed on or before March 31, 2024.

• Before and after pictures of projects implemented are required for verification and payment.

• Mechanical or chemical termination costs are not eligible.

• Cover crops seeded into forages, hay land or pasture for the purpose of their rejuvenation and continued use as before the cover crops were seeded are not eligible.

• Agronomic planning, with support of an agrologist, agronomist or Certified Crop Advisor, that includes the seeding of regionally approved cover crops as a new or expanded practice of the farm operation Eligibility Requirements

• All invoices must be dated after February 7, 2022, and before March 31, 2024 (including those dates).

• Producers must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost as an in kind contribution to the project.

• Crops that will be harvested or grazed leaving less than 6 inches (15cm) of cover crop growth over winter.

• Crops that can be harvested in the next growing season intended for market (e.g., winter cereals) are not eligible under this program.

• Intercrops, where all crops are intended for market, are not eligible

• $35/acre to a maximum of $75,000.

• An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding.

BMP: COVER CROPS FACTPageSHEET4For more information: o Visit https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie watershed climate program o Contact your local Manitoba Watershed District or pwcp@manitobawatersheds.org o Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds o 1-306 541 9902 o pwcp@saskwatersheds.ca Media Contact: Lynda Nicol, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA’S AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ON-FARM CLIMATE

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program Approach

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) works with producers to increase the implementation of select Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) on farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The BMPs eligible under the PWCP focus on three categories:

• 85 per cent of funding goes towards adoption of BMPs and BMP education/awareness activities for producers, who are the Ultimate Recipients of the program

• The project is overseen by an advisory committee of stakeholders led by MAW.

o GHG Emission Reduction Credits restrictions for Ultimate Recipients only apply to the fiscal year(s) in which the Ultimate Recipient receives funding.

• PWCP takes a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture and supporting producers to implement BMPs that have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.

• PWCP is delivered by Manitoba’s Watershed Districts and the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW).

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is the lead organization managing the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) - an up to $40 million AAFC OFCAF project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan from February 7, 2022 – March 31, 2024.

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) cannot apply to any regulatory carbon offset program for the GHG emissions reductions generated between the Project Eligibility Date (“February 7, 2022 “) and the Project Completion Date (“March 31, 2024“) including those dates.

3. Cover Cropping

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program: Manitoba and Saskatchewan

BMP: IMPROVING NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET: JULY 2022

PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (On Farm Climate Action Fund)

Support for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC) through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist producers address climate change. Read the media release here

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) can seek registration and offset credits under voluntary offset credit programs for GHG emissions reductions generated with the support of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. The ability of ultimate recipients to participate in these markets will be subject to eligibility requirements set up by voluntary offset programs.

2. Nitrogen Management

1. Rotational Grazing

ACTION FUND (OFCAF): PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (PWCP)

• Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land

Important Program Points to Note

Use of Slow Release Fertilizer

Eligible activities under this BMP are:

• An Ultimate Recipient who participates in any of the eligible BMP activities in the 2022 2023 program year can apply for the same eligible activities on the same land for the 2023 2024 program year.

• 50% of total cost, up to a maximum of $10,000

How PCWP Can Help

PWCP BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT: INCREASING ADOPTION OF NITROGEN MANAGEMENT

• Producers are eligible for a maximum of $75,000 of OFCAF funding, including all eligible activities across all BMPs for the project period to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on farm beneficial management practices (BMPs) to reduce GHG emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency on their farm operations.

BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT

How Does Improving Nitrogen Management Benefit Farmers and Climate Change?

• An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding.

• MAW will be preparing and submitting annually to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) AGR 1 forms for each PWCP payment to Ultimate Recipients.

• To assist producers with their adoption of all three BMPs, PWCP will offer producers resources to support BMP implementation.

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The PWCP is helping producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to deploy real, measurable, and practical climate solutions for agriculture in the Canadian Prairies through the management of nitrogen fertilizer use. For example, the use of slow release fertilizer, nitrification and urease inhibitors have been effective in lowering the release of Greenhouse Gasses into the atmosphere.

• 85% of the increased cost of slow release fertilizer compared to regular nitrogen fertilizer, up to a maximum of $75,000 Use of Nitrification and Urease Inhibitors

Nitrogen management strategies ensure optimum productivity, reduce nitrogen losses, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance economic profitability and environmental quality. Farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan make key decisions on formulation, rate, timing, and placement of fertilizer nitrogen that are suitable for soils, climate change, and farming operations within which they operate.

• 85% of the cost of the inhibitors, up to a maximum of $75,000 Agronomic Support for Nitrogen Management Plans

• All payments made to Ultimate Recipients for BMP adoption in the areas of nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing are to be considered “farm support payments” as per subsection 234(2) of the Income Tax Act R.S.C 1985. As such all payments to farmers are to be considered income for the farm business and are subject to Income Tax.

• $70/acre when approved under a two year contract, with the payment split into a $35/acre payment in year 1 and a $35/acre payment in year 2, upon approval and annual verification

• Biological and microbial fertilizer options are ineligible.

Upgrading seeder equipment to allow for banding, side dressing and injection of fertilizer

• To be determined by PWCP Delivery Agent

• An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding

o Be expanded from what has been practiced in prior years on new land or new acres than prior years,

• $200 per foot of seeding equipment, up to a maximum of $30,000

Ineligible Activities: Nitrogen Management

• All invoices must be dated after February 7, 2022, and before March 31, 2024 (including those dates)

• Before and after pictures of projects implemented are required for verification and payment.

• Funded projects must: o Be new practices for an operation, or

• Continuing implementation of an existing practice at the same degree as prior years

Split Application of Fertilizer to improve Nitrogen use

Soil Testing

• All activities must have commenced on or after February 7, 2022, and be completed on or before March 31, 2024.

• Landlords and tenants cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land

BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT PageSHEET3

o Be recommended by an agronomist, agrologist, Certified Crop Advisor.

• To be determined by PWCP Delivery Agent

Adding Legumes to crop rotation

• Invoices and Proof of Purchase must accompany program rebate applications.

• $35/acre for establishment, when approved under a 1 year contract

• To be determined by PWCP Delivery Agent Requirements

• 85% of total cost, up to a maximum of $2,500 Soil Mapping

Upgrading manure injection and incorporation equipment

Offsetting higher cost of synthetic fertilizer substitutes (manure, compost, digestates)

• Polymer coated urea is ineligible.

• For manure injection and incorporation, activities mandated by an Intensive Livestock Operation permit or activities required by a regulatory body for compliance purposes are ineligible.

• Costs related to the management of nutrients other than nitrogen are ineligible.

• Producers must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost as an in-kind contribution to the project.

• 50% of total cost, up to a maximum of $10,000

Eligibility

BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT PageSHEET4Recommendations AAFC recommends that producers applying nitrification inhibitors also apply urease inhibitors to avoid increasing ammonia losses. Similarly, producers applying urease inhibitors may apply nitrification inhibitors to prevent the increase in nitrous oxide emissions. For more information: o Visit https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie watershed climate program o Contact your local Manitoba Watershed District or pwcp@manitobawatersheds.org o Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds o 1-306 541 9902 o pwcp@saskwatersheds.ca Media Contact: Lynda Nicol, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (On Farm Climate Action Fund)

BMP: MANITOBA ROTATIONAL GRAZING FACT SHEET JUNE 2022

Manitoba Association of Watersheds

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is the lead organization managing the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) - an up to $40 million AAFC OFCAF project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan from February 7, 2022 – March 31, 2024.

• PWCP takes a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture and supporting producers to implement BMPs that have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.

• The project is overseen by an advisory committee of stakeholders led by MAW.

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) can seek registration and offset credits under voluntary offset credit programs for GHG emissions reductions generated with the support of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. The ability of ultimate recipients to participate in these markets will be subject to eligibility requirements set up by voluntary offset programs.

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) works with producers to increase the implementation of select Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) on farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The BMPs eligible under the PWCP focus on three categories: 1. Rotational Grazing 2. Nitrogen Management 3. Cover Cropping

• 85 per cent of funding goes towards adoption of BMPs and BMP education/awareness activities for agricultural producers, who are the Ultimate Recipients of the program

• PWCP is delivered by Manitoba’s Watershed Districts and the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW).

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program Approach

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program: Manitoba and Saskatchewan

• Ultimate recipients (farmers) cannot apply to any regulatory carbon offset program for the GHG emissions reductions generated between the Project Eligibility Date (“February 7, 2022 “) and the Project Completion Date (“March 31, 2024“) including those dates.

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI FOOD CANADA’S AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ON FARM CLIMATE ACTION FUND (OFCAF): PRAIRIE WATERSHEDS CLIMATE PROGRAM (PWCP) Support for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC) through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist agricultural producers address climate change. Read the media release here

Rangelands managed under rotational grazing practices have also been found to have higher soil carbon sequestration rates than continuous grazing and may, therefore, serve as an effective carbon mitigation option. Importantly, ranchers see rotational grazing as an effective way to improve the profitability of their cattle operations while benefiting overall ecosystem health.

o GHG Emission Reduction Credits restrictions for Ultimate Recipients only apply to the fiscal year(s) in which the Ultimate Recipient receives funding.

• To assist producers with their adoption of all three BMPs, PWCP will offer producers resources to support BMP implementation.

• MAW will be preparing and submitting annually to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) AGR 1 forms for each PWCP payment to Ultimate Recipients.

Why Implement Rotational Grazing?

• All payments made to Ultimate Recipients for BMP adoption in the areas of nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing are to be considered “farm support payments” as per subsection 234(2) of the Income Tax Act R.S.C 1985. As such all payments to farmers are to be considered income for the farm business and are subject to Income Tax.

• Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land.

Important Program Points to Note

• Producers are eligible for a maximum of $75,000 of OFCAF funding, including all eligible activities across all BMPs for the project period to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on farm beneficial management practices (BMPs) to reduce GHG emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency on their farm operations.

Rotational grazing is the practice of containing and moving livestock through pastures to allow forage plants time to recover, deepen their root systems and improve soil health between periods of grazing.

BMP: ROTATIONAL GRAZING FACT SHEET - MANITOBAPage2

PWCP BMP: ROTATIONAL GRAZING: INCREASING THE ADOPTION OF ROTATIONAL GRAZING

• An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding.

• An Ultimate Recipient who participates in any of the eligible BMP activities in the 2022 2023 program year can apply for the same eligible activities on the same land for the2023 2024 program year.

How PWCP Can Help The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program is helping producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to deploy real, measurable, and practical climate solutions for agriculture in the Canadian Prairies by assisting them to create and implement rotational grazing plans. Rotational grazing allows producers to manage their forage resources to allow the forage crops to sequester carbon longer during the growing season. Managing the way forages are grazed and allowed to grow throughout the year can store carbon in the soil and release less GHGs into the atmosphere. Sound management of grazing rotations can help to extend the growing season, reducing the need for producers to harvest and transport feed to confinement feeding locations. Managed rotational grazing

• All activities must have commenced on or after February 7, 2022, and be completed on or before March 31, 2024.

• $35/acre, up to a maximum of $75,000

Creation of Grazing Management Plan

• Invoices and Proof of Purchase must accompany program rebate applications.

• Projects on rented land may need landlord approval to proceed.

MANITOBAPage3can also spread manure over a wider area and provide nutrients to forage crops to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizer use. These include: Fencing to support the Rotational Grazing Plan

• 50% of cost of the plan, up to a maximum of $400.

• $13,0000/quarter to a maximum of $50,000.

o Be expanded from what has been practiced in prior years on new land or new acres than prior years.

Watering Systems to support the Rotational Grazing Plan

BMP: GRAZING FACT SHEET

o Be new practices for an operation, or

o The rotational grazing plan must be endorsed by an agronomist, agrologist, Certified Crop Advisor.

• All invoices must be dated after February 7, 2022, and before March 31, 2024 (including those dates).

• Funded Practices must:

Eligibility Requirements

• Before and after pictures of projects implemented are required for verification and payment.

• All Projects on Agricultural Crown Lease lands in Saskatchewan must have approval from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Land Agrologist to proceed.

• Up to $2,000/quarter for stationary water system development and $7,000/project for mobile water systems. Maximum allowed = $50,000.

Improving Pasture compositions by seeding legumes such as alfalfa/sainfoin

-

o A rotational grazing plan must be provided that supports the new practice and

• Remote watering system must be incorporated into grazing plan and be powered by a renewable source such as solar or wind.

• Some projects may impact conservation easements and agreements, Species at Risk, or other special circumstances may apply. Producers will be required to ensure all approvals and permissions are in place prior to the project occurring.

• Fencing to support the rotational grazing plan such as permanent cross fencing, wildlife friendly fencing, temporary electric fencing are all eligible

• Producers must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost as an in kind contribution to the project.

ROTATIONAL

BMP: ROTATIONAL GRAZING FACT SHEET - MANITOBAPage4Ineligible Activities • Continuing implementation of an existing practice at the same degree as prior years. • An activity can only be funded once on the same parcel of land through OFCAF funding • Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land. • Perimeter fencing is not eligible unless it is part of the Rotational Grazing Plan. • Removal and replacement of old and/or existing fence. • Used fencing materials. • Used remote watering systems. • Water development projects and watering systems that are funded by the Saskatchewan Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP). • Generators to power remote watering systems. • Texas gates • Portable panels. • Maintenance • Grazing co operatives, grazing associations, and non profit organizations are not eligible for funding in this program. For more information: o Visit https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie watershed climate program o Contact your local Manitoba Watershed District or pwcp@manitobawatersheds.org o Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds o 1-306 541 9902 o pwcp@saskwatersheds.ca Media Contact: Lynda Nicol, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

questions((contactwebsiteorCXyutsqhttps://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_3Oek2YY9questionnaire:Ifyouwishtolearnmoreaboutourworkthebisondiseaseissue,pleasevisitourprojectatucvmbisonproject.com.PleaseDr.KylePlotskykyle.plotsky@ucalgary.ca)orDr.DavidHalldchall@ucalgary.ca)withanycommentsor

Managing Tuberculosis and Brucellosis in Wood Buffalo National Park 1

By: Kyle Plotsky, David Hall (University of Calgary) Although bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has been eliminated from Riding Mountain National Park, the disease is found in other areas of the country at the interface between wildlife and livestock. One of these areas is Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP). It is the largest national park in Canada at 44,807 km2 and straddles the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories Nearly half of the remaining Canadian wood bison population live in herds in the WBNP area known to be infected with bTB and bovine brucellosis with prevalence estimated at around 40% in these herds. These diseases entered WBNP when 6600 plains bison were transported into the park around 1925 from another park near Wainwright, Alberta without being disease tested. Limited wood bison disease management has been conducted in the last century The corralling and testing of wood bison and the creation of a bison meat industry were attempted in the mid 20th century. A 1990 proposal to depopulate the park of all wood bison and reintroduce disease free animals from Elk Island National Park near Edmonton, AB faced major criticism and was not implemented. Criticism was especially strong from Indigenous groups who have a historical and cultural connection with the animals. The Alberta and Northwest Territories governments have been operating control zones along the western and northern borders of the park to minimize the spread of the diseases. In a first for Canada, the World Heritage Status of WBNP was recently classified as under threat with the bison issue being an important concern. A number of actions have been taken to help address the bison issue, including changes to the provincial status of wood bison, work in genetics and vaccines, and a focus on working with Indigenous groups around the park. We are a non governmental component of this process; our research investigates the socioeconomics of managing bTB and brucellosis in the WBNP wood bison. We aim to understand how rightsholders and stakeholders prefer the bison disease issue be managed. This includes understanding how important wood bison are to people and how knowledge and experience can influence management attitudes. Our findings will be summarized in a freely available report that can be used to inform future policy. The impact of bTB and brucellosis transmitting to animals outside of WBNP goes beyond the borders of a single park or province. This is especially true for livestock where transmission from bison to cattle could lead to billions in losses and the closing of international markets to Canadian cattle. This potentially devastating impact on the cattle industry highlights how important it is for our final report to include the views of people from across Canada. We are reaching out to various stakeholders for their assistance in completing a questionnaire on the bison disease issue regardless of their location or background. Responses will be anonymously incorporated into our final report along with responses from other rightsholders and Youstakeholders.canparticipate by scanning the QR code below or by clicking the following link for the cattle producer version of our

Tesa application Address:FarmName(s):Name: Email:Phone: PLEASE ATTACH A WORD DOCUMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. Provide a description of your farm including the environment it operates in. 2. What have you done/what are you doing to improve environmental management on your farm? 3. What are your challenges and successes? Please include high-resolution images and data which help show measurable results. 4. What factors have enabled you to make management changes? (e.g. Working with conservation organizations, programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, funding support, education, etc.) 5. What are your environmental goals for the future and how do you plan to carry them out? 6. Include two letters of reference that speak to your leadership in conservation. Please limit your application to 10 pages (not including letters of reference and photos). Electronic applications are preferred and a single, complete PDF document is requested. A sample application from previous years can be found online at submitpageContactenvironmental-stewardship-award/how-to-nominate/https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/the-yourprovincialorganizationlistedontheprevioustodeterminewhenyourassociationrequiresyoutoyourapplicationfortheprovincialaward.

TESA SPONSORS TESA sponsorship program is available to appropriate organizations that wish to affiliate themselves with the CCA’s TESA program. In addition to showing support for environmental stewardship and Canada’s beef cattle producers, the program also provides the opportunity to join industry leaders, government representatives and nearly 60,000 Canadian beef farms in the national discussion on environmental issues affecting the industry. For more information, visit www.cattle.ca/what-is-tesa TESA PLATINUM SPONSOR

For more than 65 years, MNP has been helping beef producers get the most from their operations. Whether you are looking to pass the farm on to the next generation, improve your profitability, be more competitive or expand MNP’s beef industry specialists will help you get the results you’re looking for. To find out what MNP can do for you, contact Marvin Slingerland, Partner, MNP Lethbridge, at Director of Livestock Services at 1.800.661.8097 or Marvin.Slingerland@mnp.ca HELPING YOU GET EVEN MORE OUT OF YOUR LIVESTOCK OPERATION.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE APPLICATION: A selection of no less than ten high-resolution images suitable for reproduction on social media, print etc. Video presentation link if available, media stories/ broadcasts showcasing your stewardship efforts.

For example, in Manitoba, the 4R approach to nutrient use has long been promoted and practised:

Manitoba was the first Prairie province to complete the 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fertilizer Canada, and our province has worked with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada to promote 4R principles and practices since 2013 through a series of three year MOUs. I have asked the federal government for support for the 4R Climate Smart Protocol and the partners are currently finalizing a fourth MOU.

Partnerships between producers, governments and the nutrient industry are an important tool to support change.

• right rate to achieve production goals, based on soil nutrients available and what the crop needs;

• right place where the nutrient is applied relative to the crop type; and • right time for nutrient loss risks, how a crop uses nutrients, crop uptake and logistics.

An update from MBP July 29, 2022 mbbeef.ca

continued on page 3

Manitoba producers have been proactive in reducing the unnecessary use of nutrients and continue to make changes as beneficial management practices have evolved.

Statement from Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson on Federal Greenhouse-Gas Emissions Reduction Targets

(July 26, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) I am pleased to have joined federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture last week in Saskatoon for an annual meeting that has brought agreement on several important issues including a new five year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with a 25 per cent increase in its cost shared portion. We also agreed on improvements to business risk management programs, such as an increase in the AgriStability compensation rate to 80 per cent from 70 per cent, for better economic Anothersustainability.aspect

of the new agreement is a targeted three to five megaton reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, though a reduction in GHG emissions would be a positive step and is a priority for the Manitoba government, a new federal requirement for a 30 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 through the agricultural sector’s use of nutrients is based on broad assumptions that do not account for improvements already made by Manitoba farmers. A report by MNP for Fertilizer Canada states that a 30 per cent reduction in such emissions would require a 20 per cent reduction in the use of nutrients, which would equate to lower crop yields for Manitoba producers and hurt value added businesses. A reduction in nutrients would also make increasingly expensive groceries even more costly and pose a risk to Manitoba jobs in agriculture and food processing.

• right source for the soil type, conditions and crop;

E-Newsletter dsfsfa

Reducing emissions is the right path to take, though I strongly believe a more targeted approach that considers the state of change already adopted by Manitoba producers and the cost benefit of specific changes to reduce GHGs is crucial.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Earlier this week, a CTV crew visited the Gimli area to film MBP District 10 Director Mike Duguid along with his family for this year's segment. The campaign, produced by Bell Media, is scheduled to air on CTV Winnipeg (television), 103.1 Virgin Radio/99.9 Bounce FM/1290 Funny (radio) along with various social media channels during late August and early October.

Statement from Minister Johnson – cont.

The effect of reduced nutrient use to achieve Canada’s blanket 30 per cent reduction in emissions would reduce Manitoba’s competitiveness in producing and processing protein. As well, this federal reduction policy would not have equal effects on farmers based on size, existing practices and the extent to which beneficial management practices, such as sub surface placement, have been adopted. Smaller producers would be unfairly hurt because the cost of equipment to enhance nutrient efficiency and reduce GHGs cannot be spread across a larger land base. Application on farms should be based on the science of soil testing and analysis to ensure farmers are not over using nutrients. An over application is not cost effective or practical to farmers. Practices to reduce emissions must be effective, economical, adaptable and well thought out because vulnerable populations would be disproportionately affected by higher food costs if production volume is reduced by this policy on nutrient reduction. The agriculture industry in Manitoba produces quality, affordable food that also benefits food security in other countries. Manitoba exported more than $7.7 billion in commodities and processed food to its global neighbours in 2021. Manitoba farmers cannot feed the world without the use of nutrients, which help crops grow.Theresponsibility for reducing GHGs through food production is a cost that cannot be borne by farmers alone. Producers have to continue to be involved in discussions on ways to achieve reduction targets and flexibility on approaches is key, given the diversity of production systems and Canada’s land base. Affordability, societal benefits, sound science and the full effect on production and profitability in differing environmental conditions must be considered.

I will continue to push for these factors to be thoroughly accounted for in GHG emissionsreduction decisions affecting our agricultural producers. Our government stands up for Manitoba farmers, who are great stewards of the land in their use of sustainable agricultural practices and who work every day to produce food while protecting the environment.

FIELDS TO FORKS IS A MULTIMEDIA-INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY - WITH MBP ONCE AGAIN PLAYING A PROMINENT ROLE

Canadian Cuisine: Johnson (July 29, 2022 Province of Manitoba news release)

The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to celebrate the province’s unique and diverse local and Canadian food, as well as its cuisine culture, by participating in Food Day Canada tomorrow, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today. “Our government is dedicated to engaging consumers and people in our agriculture and agri food industries to enhance knowledge and stimulate conversations on how Manitobans think about and value food,” said Johnson. “We encourage all Manitobans to celebrate the amazing diversity of food and cuisine across our province by shopping, cooking and dining on Food Day Canada in Manitoba, as proclaimed today.”

Manitoba government celebrating local food, growers and producers on Food Day Canada Legislative Building Will Be Illuminated to Shine Light on

Since its beginning in 2003, Food Day Canada has become one of the nation’s largest and longest running celebrations of the people and products that make Canada’s food industry Fromgreat.tomorrow evening until sunrise on July 31, the dome of the Legislative Building will be illuminated in red and white lights, along with other iconic locations across the country, in recognition of Food Day Canada. The minister noted once the sun sets, the building will shine for all to see and celebrate. “We appreciate our hard working farmers and producers who make it possible for us to enjoy great food at home and when dining out,” said Johnson. “This long standing national event presents an opportunity here in Manitoba to connect with consumers and with growers who provide us with fresh, delicious food, and with chefs, processors, restaurateurs and home cooks who bring good food to life. With a goal to shine a light on Canadian cuisine, this day is also about nourishment, jobs and pride in our province’s food industry.”

Manitobans are encouraged to visit www.FoodDayCanada.ca to share stories about how they are celebrating Canadian and local food and farming, and to show support by taking a pledge. The website has mapped locations of chefs, restaurants and events offering creative menus and highlighting locally grown and Canadian foods.

Statement

• $250 million dollars for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP). This investment will be cost shared with the provinces and aims to pay farmers for ecological goods and services they provide, a welcome investment for beef producers who perform these services as a by-product of raising beef.

“Today’s announcement is a recognition that the FPT Ag Ministers heard our concerns,” said Reg Schellenberg, CCA President. “We are partners in the intertwined objectives of sustainability and competitiveness.”

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and www.cattle.cafeedlots

As with all complex issues relating to tackling climate change and ensuring a vibrant industry, the details of these commitments will be important. CCA welcomes increased funding and looks forward to being consulted as a stakeholder for how these dollars will be spent. The Canadian beef sector provides tremendous environmental benefits and CCA is active in discussions to ensure the sector’s sustainability is recognized.

– Today, Canada’s agriculture ministers gathered in Saskatchewan for their annual federal provincial territorial (FPT) meeting where they announced $500 million in new funds for the Next Agricultural Policy Framework, a 25 per cent increase from the previous Framework The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to see the increased investments and echo the FPT ministers in saying that this investment comes at a critical time

Investments of note include:

• Increasing the AgriStability compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent. An increase has long been advocated for by the beef sector. Additional reviews of the business risk management suite of programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness were also announced.

Canadian Cattle Association welcomes increased funding commitments under the Next Agricultural Policy Framework July 22, Saskatoon,2022SK

The new Framework, to be known as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, includes investments in research, risk management, and environmental programming With an increased funding envelope, the beef sector is now better equipped to deliver on some of the ambitious environmental and productivity goals as set by the national beef strategy partners, all while producing a high-quality protein to feed the world.

For further information, contact: Michelle 403CanadianCommunicationsMcMullenManagerCattleAssociation-451-0931|mcmullenm@cattle.ca

Ministers also discussed the importance of ensuring that efforts to reduce emissions from fertilizer or other agricultural sources do not impede Canada’s ability to contribute to domestic and global food security, now or into the future. Ministers agreed to continue to work together and with the sector’s value chain to build on producer’s efforts to reduce fertilizer-related

July 22, 2022 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

To enhance economic sustainability, Ministers agreed to improve Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, including raising the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%. Under the cost shared envelope, they agreed in principle to the $250 million Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program to support ecological goods and services provided by the agriculture sector. The new agreement includes stronger targets such as a 3 5 MT reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions, increasing sector competitiveness, revenue and exports, and increased participation of Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. There will also be a focus on measuring the results of framework investments.

This week, the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture reached an agreement in principle for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership at their Annual Meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This new five year agreement will inject $500 million in new funds, representing a 25% increase in the cost shared portion of the partnership.

News Release

Ministers also discussed the importance of reducing barriers to interprovincial trade and welcome four pilot projects focussed on domestic trade in border regions and Ready to Grow plants.

Federal-Provincial-Territorial

Over the course of the agreement, Ministers agreed to implement new measures to the suite of BRM programs, which will make them more timely, equitable and easy to understand as well as to better protect producers against climate risk. Ministers will continue to collaborate with producers to ensure they have a suite of programs they can rely on when they face extraordinary situations.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture reach a new partnership agreement and inject new funds to support the sector

The agreement, which will require appropriate authorities by each jurisdiction, will mark an ambitious path forward to advance the five priorities agreed to in the Guelph Statement. It will position our sector for continued success as a world leader in environmentally, economically and socially sustainable agriculture. It will enable an innovative and productive internationally competitive sector that can continue to feed Canada and a growing global population at a time when rising costs and global food security are significant concerns.

In addition to the new agreement and BRM improvements, Ministers advanced discussions on other priority areas including the country’s unique opportunity to feed Canadians and the world through global leadership. Ministers discussed market access, food supply chain, and trade issues, and how to help maximize Canada’s contribution to global food supply.

It was agreed that Quebec will use its targets and accountability mechanisms to contribute to the collective results of the partnership.

 Exports of agriculture and agri-food products continue to grow, worth over $82 billion in 2021, compared to $74 billion in 2020.

For more information about other items discussed, please see the Backgrounder: Annual Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture

Quotes “The path forward leverages regional strengths and diversity to rise to the climate change challenge, support Canadian producers, capture new markets and meet the expectations of consumers at home and abroad. Our discussions this week, and plans for the future, will build off the great work farmers and processors already do. Our ambitious vision, collaborative spirit, and future additional investments will help the sector go even further.”

Ministers addressed the importance of the health of bee populations, domestic and native, to Canada's economy and the environment. They agreed to work together to make science based decisions about the safe import of honeybees. Ministers also noted the ongoing collaboration between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and cattle sectors to perform a risk analysis to potential changes to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) control measures to maintain its negligible status within the World Organization for Animal Health.

The Honourable Marie Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food

The Ministers who were not in attendance were represented by other officials.

The next Annual FPT Ministers' meeting will be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick in July 2023.

emissions while maintaining competitiveness and Canada’s reputation as a top producer of quality Ministerscrops.also advanced talks around African Swine Fever prevention and preparedness, including lessons learned from the recent Avian Influenza outbreak response. They discussed labour and ongoing work towards a federal National Agricultural Labour Strategy and regulatory priorities. Ministers discussed progress made on a Code of Conduct for grocery retailers and suppliers, which included a presentation by the industry steering committee on concrete elements of a code. They encouraged industry to present a complete code by November 2022.

The Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, Saskatchewan.

Quick facts  The agriculture and agri food value chain continues to be an economic engine driving Canada’s economy, contributing nearly $135 billion of national GDP, and responsible for more than 2 million jobs (1 in 9 jobs) in Canada.

"As the provincial-territorial co-chair, we are pleased with the increased funding all parties have committed to today. I believe we have found the proper balance between economic and environmental objectives to ensure our industry remains globally competitive. This balance will be vital as Canada’s producers seek to provide the food the world needs. The improvements made to our Business Risk Management suite demonstrate our continued commitment to making programs more timely, equitable and easier to understand. We look forward to the benefits this partnership will achieve for our industry.”

The Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership is the next five year agricultural policy agreement, which will take effect April 1, 2023, replacing the current Canadian Agricultural MinistersPartnership.will continue to provide strong support for science, research, and innovation to address challenges and seize opportunities, to continue to open new markets to Canadian agricultural products, and undertake efforts to strengthen the resiliency of the food system. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will also focus on encouraging greater diversity and inclusion and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

FederalBackgrounder-Provincial-Territorial

 $250B in sector revenues and $95B in sector export revenues by 2028 and  increase in funded recipients that are Indigenous Peoples, women and youth over the five years of the partnership.

Contacts Marianne Dandurand Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food

Web:Followaafc.mediarelations1Ottawa,AgricultureMedia343marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca5419229RelationsandAgriFoodCanadaOntario8663457972relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.causonTwitter,Facebook,Instagram,andLinkedInAgricultureandAgriFoodCanada

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will provide $500 million representing a 25% increase in new funding for cost shared activities, over the $2 billion currently provided under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It will enable an innovative and productive internationally competitive sector that can continue to feed Canada and a growing global population at a time when rising costs and global food security are significant concerns.

This week, the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture reached an agreement in principle for the new, five year, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership at their Annual Meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They also advanced discussions on a number of priority areas for producers, processors and other stakeholders in the sector.

SUSTAINABLE CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP

Increased Funding and Achieving Results

To better demonstrate the impact of our investments, Ministers agreed on the need for a more robust results strategy for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This includes improved data sharing, results reporting, and a commitment to contribute to common, measurable outcomes, over the lifespan of the Framework, in particular contributing to:  3 5 MT reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions.

*Improved environmental performance, climate change adaptation and reduction of GHG emissions in the sector; increased capacity and growth of the sector across the agri-food value chain; strengthening sector resilience, diversity, equity and inclusion, and increasing public trust.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents a shared commitment to enhance sector resiliency so producers can better anticipate, mitigate and respond to risks, through a robust suite of BRM programs. To enhance economic sustainability, Ministers reached an agreement to raise the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80% bringing up to an additional $72 million per year to better support farmers in times of need. Furthermore, Ministers agreed to continue to work, and consult with industry, on a new AgriStability model that will be faster, simpler and more predictable. AgriStability provides support when producers experience a large decline in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. FPT governments have identified key changes to improve the timeliness and predictability of AgriStability, and will be working together in consultation with producers to further analyze and implement this new model while ensuring a smooth transition.

Ministers also discussed the importance of ensuring that efforts to reduce emissions from fertilizer or other agricultural sources do not impede Canada’s ability to contribute to domestic and global food security, now or into the future. Ministers agreed to continue to work together and with the sector’s value chain to build on producer’s efforts to reduce fertilizer related emissions while maintaining competitiveness and Canada’s reputation as a top producer of quality crops. Also mentioned, was the ongoing consultations undertaken by the Government of Canada develop voluntary approaches to achieve Canada's target to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fertilizers by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Business Risk Management

Ministers agreed to a new Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP), to be established based on nationally consistent principles, tailored to regional needs and conditions, to be cost shared and administered by provinces and territories. Jurisdictions with existing programs that respect the guidelines, such as Prince Edward Island’s Alternate Land Use Services program, Quebec's Programme de Rétribution des pratiques agroenvironnementales, and Manitoba's Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) will be able to benefit from the new federal funding.

Quebec is already implementing policies and strategies to provide targets, indicators and accountability processes that meet the priorities and objectives set out in this agreement.

Quebec will contribute to collective results* by pursuing its own targets and will not be subject to commitments in the agreement directly related to the framework targets. The sharing of information and data includes only the information that Quebec will provide according to its indicators and accountability processes and the relevant means that will be defined in the Bilateral Agreement mutually agreed to by Canada and Quebec.

It was reiterated that this target applies to emissions and not fertilizer use.

FERTILIZER

Ministers agreed to conduct a one year review on how to integrate climate risk and readiness in BRM programs. Provinces will identify potential incentives, and then launch a pilot for producers who adopt environmental practices that also reduce production risks. In addition, Ministers agreed that in order to receive an Agri Invest government contribution, producers with allowable net sales (ANS) of at least $1 million will need an agri environmental risk assessment (e.g. Environmental Farm Plan) by 2025. BRM programs will continue to focus on production risk.

As a skilled and reliable workforce is a key priority for the sector, Ministers discussed progress towards a federal National Agricultural Labour Strategy, the need to promote careers in the agrifood sector and the importance of making Canada a destination of choice for International Agri food workers. The Government of Canada launched online consultations for the strategy in late June, which will remain open until September 28. This strategy will complement existing policies and programs currently underway by provincial and territorial governments.

Competitiveness is key to promoting recovery, resilience and growth of the sector. In November 2021, FPT Agriculture Ministers agreed that interprovincial trade solutions should be priorities under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Framework. At today’s conference, FPT Ministers discussed progress on interprovincial trade, including on four pilot projects to address unique situations in rural border towns, such as Ontario Quebec and Ontario Manitoba border regions, Lloydminster, and Ontario’s “Ready to Grow” meat plants.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER AND ANIMAL HEALTH CANADA

Ministers discussed enhanced efforts to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from entering Canada and to prepare for its potential arrival, including applying lessons learned from the recent Avian Influenza outbreak response. Governments agreed to continue to collaborate to advance

REGULATORY PRIORITIES / INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE

Ministers supported the approach underway for these pilots and look forward to seeing results that contribute to advancing internal trade.

LABOUR

A number of areas were discussed including the use of automation and technology, targeted skills development and training, employment incentives and best practices, improved working conditions and benefits, and initiatives to recruit and retain workers.

The agriculture and agri food sector faces obstacles that distinguish it from other economic sectors currently facing labour shortages. Ministers focused on opportunities most relevant to the sector, considering provincial and territorial nuances.

RETAIL FEES

The discussion also noted government and industry efforts to address labour needs are already underway as well as the importance of prioritizing ongoing collaboration, at all levels, to tackle this challenge.

Ministers agreed that as conversations towards solutions through pilot projects progress, it will be important to continue maintaining Canada’s high food safety standards and reputation abroad to minimize international trade risks. They were supportive of the guiding principles underpinning this work. It was agreed that the pilot projects would have lessons learned applicable to other interested provinces facing similar challenges and to reduce future interprovincial trade barriers.

At this week’s meeting, Ministers received a presentation on concrete elements of a grocery code of conduct from the industry steering committee, and thanked them for their significant work in building consensus. Ministers reiterated the importance of transparency, predictability, and respect for the principles of fair dealing in supply chain relationships, emphasized the need for timely completion and encouraged industry to continue to work diligently on the Grocery Code of Conduct to ensure its completion. Ministers will continue to monitor progress closely. They expect industry to conduct broader consultation with the full supply chain on the proposed code in the early fall in order to present a completed code by the end of November 2022.

In addition, a roundtable was held hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, featuring national commodity groups, on the theme of investing in green productivity and growth.

Ministers also discussed impacts on agriculture, and challenges on accessing inputs for certain producers, resulting from the situation in Ukraine.

Ministers discussed the importance of balancing the interest in maintaining and growing trade with increasingly challenging markets and pursuing diversification opportunities for the sector.f

Recognizing the evolving trading environment, which is creating new challenges and opportunities for Canada, Ministers discussed current trade and market access issues, including latest developments on the Ukraine situation and impacts to Canadian and global food security.

readiness in order to respond quickly in the event of an outbreak. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to developing a timely, coordinated, cost-shared approach that will support Canada’s hog sector to address anticipated market challenges caused by market closures, the halting of exports, and a domestic surplus of hogs should ASF arrive in Canada. Ministers also discussed the latest status on the development of Animal Health Canada and next steps.

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES AND PANELIST DISCUSSIONS

Ministers welcomed panelists representing primary agriculture, value added processing and research for a discussion about sustainable agriculture, specifically what it means to them, and what they are doing to promote it.

TRADE AND MARKET ACCESS