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Advocacy

AGRICULTURE MATTERS

Our message is simple

 
Agriculture Matters.
When we communicate with decision-makers and elected officials, whether they are in rural or urban areas, we reinforce the importance of agriculture for everyone.

Agriculture is all around us and provides countless benefits to our economy and the many communities across our province. Agriculture matters not only for the tens of thousands who work in or supporting the sector, but for all Manitobans who are concerned about having a food system that provides access to affordable, nutritious food. 

Farmers are not alone in knowing that agriculture matters. Agriculture plays a crucial role in many different areas of society, including economic, social, health, and environmental, and should be viewed through this lens. 

At KAP, we work to tell a full-plate story and how farmers are the main character. By advocating for agriculture in a way that links everyone together, we can work towards creating a prosperous and sustainable future.
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Advocacy Highlights 2024

DELIVERING ON VALUE

50%

Rebate for Education Property Tax on farmland maintained

1

Appointment to Premier's Business & Jobs Council as representative of agriculture

250K

Interest-free limit for Advance Payments Program (APP) increased for 2024

30M

Funding for the repair and upgrade of the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill

70+

Elected officials and senior government officials engaged with at the provincial & federal

135K

Commitment from Government of Manitoba for implementation of veterinary strategy

165K

Secured per unfunded student at Western College of Veterinary Medicine, up from previous year by over double

1

Grocery Code of Conduct with participation from all national grocers and many regional local & independent ones

2

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) service centres to reopen in rural communities

13.5%

Increase in healthcare spending in 2024 Manitoba provincial budget

50%

Increase in Young Farmer Rebate through MASC, from $20,000 to $30,000

2023-24 Operations Plan
Advocacy Strategic Initiatives

  • Enhance government and industry relations
    Continued regular meetings with government officials at various levels, including Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and various other senior department staff Active involvement in various consultations, forums, and policy discussions, advocating for farmer interests at the municipal, provincial, and federal level Development of a set of communications and outreach marketing tools to promote key advocacy priorities to stakeholders (ex: infographics) Creation and implementation of a government relations strategy, focused on the transition to Manitoba's new provincial government and the successful maintenance of KAP's strong working relationship with government
  • Build strategic coalitions to ensure unification on key issues
    Foster coalitions to drive impactful outcomes and steer policy initiatives aligned with the evolving needs of Manitoba's agricultural landscape Swiftly address critical agricultural priorities while ensuring inclusivity and measurable outcomes for Manitoba's agricultural sector Build on strategic membership engagement with innovative approaches to increase membership participation and strengthen their role in policy advocacy Work with partners, both traditional and non-traditional, to advance key policy areas that are reflective of all Manitoba farmers with a focus on science-based decision making
  • Educate key decision makers on the opportunities and challenges of modern agriculture
    Identify advocates within the agricultural community to represent and champion key issues Leverage KAP's diverse and inclusive representation and perspectives in discussions, reflecting the breadth of challenges and opportunities in Manitoba's agricultural sector Utilize various communication channels to amplify agriculture stories, experiences, and concerns to resonate with policymakers Encourage knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective problem-solving among diverse stakeholders to tackle common challenges Ensuring active involvement in consultations, forums, and policy discussions to advocate for farmer interests Provide fact-based insights, research, and data-driven arguments to support policy recommendations, enabling informed decision-making
  • Facilitate cross-sectoral dialogue and partnerships to develop unified strategy and voice
    Foster an environment of collaboration and cooperation among diverse sectors to develop a cohesive strategy that amplifies the collective voice advocating for Manitoba's farmers Engage with policymakers, legislators, and government agencies to raise awareness about the importance of cross-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration in advancing agricultural priorities, advocating for the inclusion of provisions supporting partnership-building and knowledge sharing in relevant policies and programs Advocate for funding opportunities or grants specifically earmarked for cross-sectoral initiatives and partnerships that help address agricultural challenges Hosting cross-sectoral events that emphasize the interconnectedness of Manitoba's economy and the role that agriculture plays in driving it Attend events that engage with key stakeholders, including trade shows, policy consultations, member events, and government and stakeholder policy committee meetings

Advancing Advocacy Goals - Highlights

Premier's Business & Jobs Council

KAP President, Jill Verwey, was appointed in December 2023 by the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, to the Premier's Business & Jobs Council. This Council was created to advise the province on developing a strong economy that Manitobans can rely on for generations to come.
 
​The Council is comprised of 36 business leaders in Manitoba from across many sectors, with a goal of building on the priorities Manitobans have shared with the government.
 
As a member of the Council, KAP has a seat at the table with some of Manitoba's most influential leaders and elected officials. This appointment is the result of KAP's positive working relationship with the Government of Manitoba and allows us to ensure active involvement where we can advocate for farmer interests and ensure their interests are represented in crucial dialogues. ​

Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Celebrate Manitoba

We are focused on facilitating cross-sectoral partnerships to develop a unified strategy and voice on behalf of Manitoba farmers. Our ability to form support coalitions enables us to find resolutions and chart paths forward on important issues that impact the agriculture sector.
 
One example of this in 2023-24 was the Celebrate Manitoba event that we hosted alongside Manitoba Canola Growers, Manitoba Pork, Manitoba Real Estate Association, Canadian Propane Association, Prairie Sky Strategy, Harvest Manitoba, and deer + almond. This event was to welcome Manitoba's newly elected government and all MLAs to highlight the opportunities that exist in Manitoba. While we may come from different industries, the land unites us all. 
 
The evening, which took place at VIA Union Station, was a big success and well-attended with well over 100 attendees, including the appearance of Premier Kinew and many other elected officials. 

Additional 2024 Advocacy Work

  • Co-hosted a roundtable discussion with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, with a variety of stakeholders from across the agricultural sector in Manitoba focusing on both provincial and federal issues

  • Advocated successfully for a further increase for the 2024 growing season, from 33% to 55%, to the temporary rent reduction on Agricultural Crown Land leases

  • Secured in Budget 2024 funding for a Livestock Predation Prevention Strategy

  • Engaged with the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, Manitoba Agriculture, and other producer groups to successfully have Plan 20-50 changed to have language focused on the protection of agricultural lands added in as part of the proposed plan

  • Worked with the Canadian Propane Association on reversing provincial regulatory changes for large capacity propane tanks which would negatively impact producers

  • Increased engagement with federal and provincial elected officials, as well as key senior department officials to advance priority issues at the departmental level

  • KAP participated in the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s 2024 Pre-Budget Consultation process as a witness when they travelled to Winnipeg

  • Participation in joint advocacy efforts through the #StopTheStrike coalition

  • Taking leadership in the media to address potential and actual labour disruption issues impacting agriculture, including B.C. ports, CN & CPKC, and Port of Montréal

  • Promotion of the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant as an avenue for MELT funding

  • Collaboration with Manitoba commodity groups on a response to the PMRA decision to restrict the use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin

  • KAP continues to engage with the Canadian Grain Commission regarding the Grain Act Review, as well as other stakeholders including attending the Grain Act Summit in Saskatoon as an observer

  • Engaged with government and industry stakeholders to remove proposed amendments to the National Building Code that would negatively impact agriculture
  • Worked with partners, including Grain Growers of Canada and Fertilizer Canada, to reverse proposed amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations involving anhydrous ammonia which would have resulted in substantial costs to producers
  • Provided feedback to the Government of Canada's consultation on right to repair
  • Actively are working with Minister of Education & Early Childhood Learning, Nello Altomare, to provide feedback on the impact of the education property tax on farm operations to ensure a fulsome understanding by government
  • Participated in a meeting of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council roundtable event in Winnipeg, hosted by Minister Anita Anand
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