ProgramsSECTOR GROWTH STRATEGIES

GROWING VISIONS

GROWING ACTIONS

• • •

ASSURANCE SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT

GROWING ASSURANCEEcological Goods and Services

Environment

Farmland Beaver Damage Control

Food Safety On-Farm

Food Safety Processing and Distribution

GROWING ADAPTATION

• • •

RESEARCH

GROWING INNOVATIONAgri-Food Research and Development

Initiative (ARDI)

Manitoba Grain Innovation Hub

On-Farm Research

Capacity and Knowledge Development

• • •

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

GROWING COMPETITIVENESSAgri-Extension

Next Generation

GROWING VALUECommercialization

Transformation

April 2013 to March 2017 Progress Report UpdateHow much investment is involved with Growing Forward 2 ?

Under Growing Forward 2, the Canada and Manitoba governments committed to invest $176 million from 2013-2018 in Manitoba’s agriculture and food sector to support:• targeted sector growth strategies• assurance systems and the environment• research • business development

Growing Forward 2 invests an average of $35.2 million per year over the five-year agreement, with Canada contributing $21.1 million annually and Manitoba, $14.1 annually. As of March 31, 2017, $174 million of the available $176 million has been invested, including $135 million for grant funding (76.7 per cent) and the remainder for project implementation and program delivery (23.3 per cent)1.

APPROVED GROWING FORWARD 2 FUNDING BY RECIPIENTBased on 2,244 approved projects totalling $135 million

Processors15%

Producers35%

Industry Organizations

13%

Research and Development

Institutions and Companies

37%

APPROVED GROWING FORWARD 2 BUDGET BY CATEGORYBased on 2,244 approved projects totalling $135 million

Sector Growth Strategies

6%

BusinessDevelopment

15%

Assurance Systems andEnvironment

38%

Research 41%

1 Program Delivery consists of Salaries, Operating, Communication and Administration expenses

Growing Forward 2

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Message from the Federal MinisterI’m pleased to join with Minister Eichler in presenting this report on some of the many success stories from our collaboration under Growing Forward 2 – a $3 billion federal, provincial and territorial initiative.

It’s exciting to see the diverse projects that are helping Manitoba farmers and food processors succeed in today’s highly competitive global marketplace, while growing the middle class.

These projects include research into flax-enriched foods, like muffins, pasta, pizza dough and bread, which are popular with Canadians because of flax’s proven health benefits. As well, Manitoba now has an applied soybean and pulses agronomist at the University of Manitoba, and investments in research are helping farmers plan their planting seasons and protect their crops from environmental hazards like hail.

Minister Eichler and I are working with the provinces, territories and industry across Canada to shape the next policy framework for agriculture which will replace Growing Forward 2 in 2018. We are consulting closely with all stakeholders, to make sure we build on the many successes of the existing framework.

As well, through Budget 2017, the federal Government continues to support science, innovation, trade and the overall competitiveness of the sector, to create better opportunities for farmers and Canadians.

I wish everyone a successful year and growing season to come, and I will continue to work closely with industry for the betterment of the sector, our economy and a growing middle class.

Lawrence MacAulay Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

SECTOR GROWTH STRATEGIES

GROWING ACTIONS

Since April 2013, the Growing Actions program received 68 applications for funding. Forty-eight were approved for a total of $6,862,421 for agricultural organizations to implement strategic industry-led initiatives that strengthen the sector’s competitiveness. Projects under this program include:

• Enhancing Membership Value from Manitoba Commodity Organizations - The National Sunflower Association of Canada was approved for $25,000 to address the ability to improve commodity organization memberships. Eight commodity organizations from two levels of government were brought together to discuss a range of ideas, priorities, concerns, awareness, urgency and readiness around how they can best serve their shared membership in the future.

• Increased Canola Oil and Canola Farming Awareness - Manitoba Canola Growers Association was approved for $36,267 to fund a Canola Harvest Summer Camp to increase awareness about canola oil and canola farming through hands-on learning. A ten-member group was transported to Russell, where they met with seven different farm families and gained valuable insight into Manitoba canola production.

GROWING VISIONS

The Growing Visions program has received 42 applications for funding since April 2013. Thirty-two were approved for a total of $613,231 for the development and implementation of strategic plans that boost the capacity of agricultural organizations.

• Value Chain Priority Evaluation - Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association (MBNLA) was approved for $19,000 to develop a strategic plan to advance the nursery and landscape sectors in Manitoba. MBNLA was able to develop a strategic plan and subsequent communications plan, and also develop and implement a Board of Directors and Executive Director training initiative.

April 2013 to March 2017 Progress Report

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ASSURANCE SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT

GROWING ASSURANCE

Ecological Goods and Services

Since April 2013, there have been 429 applications for funding from the Ecological Goods and Services program, with 179 approved for $4,067,670. This funding has enabled local Conservation Districts (CDs) to work with producers to implement beneficial management practices (BMPs) and innovative decision tools and/or delivery mechanisms that serve to conserve and enhance ecological goods and services on the agricultural landscape. The program focuses on water quality and provides other important services derived from well-managed stocks of natural capital within the Lake Winnipeg Watershed.

Shelterbelt Development/Water Retention - West Souris River Conservation District was approved for $54,394 to work with producers to implement on-farm beneficial management practices (BMPs). This project included planting shelterbelts to minimize the impacts of wind, and the installation of a multi-purpose water retention structure to provide adaptive capacity for climate change, landscape resiliency, flood mitigation, water supply for irrigation or livestock watering and ecosystem resilience.

Message from the Provincial MinisterManitoba Agriculture is pleased to be working with Minister MacAulay and industry to shape the Next Policy Framework (NPF) for agriculture that will replace Growing Forward 2 in 2018.

We want to ensure the NPF is developed through engagement with all industry stakeholders including farmers, processors and agribusiness to support sector growth.

In the spring, we asked stakeholders to provide feedback on NPF program priorities through an online survey. We received valuable input from individuals and industry organizations. We also hosted two industry engagement sessions in the summer of 2016. We will consider this feedback to help in the development of a framework that supports the competitiveness and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food sector.

In May, I met with my federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss the path forward on development of the NPF. The meeting focused on the next suite of programs and services including business risk management programs. We are working to ensure the programs and services meet the needs of the sector and help farmers and food processors grow their businesses.

The agriculture and agri-food sector is an important contributor to Manitoba’s economy. We have made valuable investments in the sector through Growing Forward 2 and we will continue to consult with industry to ensure the NPF reflects Manitoba’s priorities for the future.

Ralph Eichler Minister of Manitoba Agriculture

Growing Forward 2

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Environment

The Environment program enables producers to adopt beneficial management practices to enhance the water quality, air quality, soil quality and soil fertility of their operations. This program received 380 applications for funding since April 2013, with 161 approved for a total of $6,230,730.

Farmyard Runoff Control - a beef producer was approved for $70,000 to improve the area where cattle are kept to ensure that surface water is protected by limiting the amount of nutrients that can run-off from the site. This helps to minimize the impact that livestock facilities have on surface and groundwater quality.

Environmental Farm Plan

There have been 572 participants in the Environmental Farm Plan, including 288 new participants since April 1, 2013. Environmental farm plans are a means for producers to examine the environmental sustainability of their operations and what actions they can take to enhance them. For a producer to receive funding for an environment or ecological goods and services BMP, they must complete their environmental farm plan and receive a statement of completion. A total of 572 statements of completion have been issued.

Farmland Beaver Damage Control

The Farmland Beaver Damage Control program received 206 applications for funding, with 179 approved for a total of $556,238. This funding has resulted in the reclamation of over 52,331 agricultural acres that had been affected by nuisance beavers.

Food Safety On-Farm

The Food Safety On-Farm program has received 1,283 applications for funding, with 914 approved for a total of $6,019,782. The funding was used for the adoption of assurance systems and best management practices at the farm level related to food safety, biosecurity, plant and animal health, traceability and animal welfare.

There was a high uptake of new catalogue items added in 2016/17, which include: • low stress handling equipment (sheep and goat welfare)• calf catching pens (beef welfare) • remote surveillance (beef welfare) • grooved surfaces and hoof trimming chute (dairy welfare) • low stress handling equipment (bison welfare)

The Food Safety On-Farm program helped develop a porcine epidemic diarrhea (PEDv) surveillance system for the Manitoba Pork Council.

April 2013 to March 2017 Progress Report

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There were 139 producers, from various commodities, who were approved under the welfare activity to purchase equipment to support improved animal welfare. This includes:

• A poultry farmer was approved for $2,221 under the poultry welfare program to purchase and install a flock monitoring system for his poultry barn to better track and monitor animals.

• A dairy producer was approved for $2,990 under the dairy welfare program to purchase and install cow brushes to improve animal health and welfare.

• A beef farm was approved for $582 to purchase a calf-catching cart to improve animal handling and producer safety.

Food Safety Processing and Distribution

Since April 2013, the Food Safety Processing and Distribution program has received 129 applications. Ninety-two were approved for a total of $1,628,833 for the development of food safety and traceability systems and other assistance, to optimize animal welfare and biosecurity best practices. A variety of processors and distributors have applied for funding, including vegetable distributors, cheese makers, meat processors and bakeries.

A total of 74 processors, distributors and food contact packaging manufacturers have been approved to receive funding to improve food safety and traceability practices through the implementation of recognized assurance programs such as good manufacturing practices and hazard analysis critical control programs (HACCP), infrastructure improvements and the purchase of specialized equipment. For example, Superior Harvest Foods Inc. was approved for $10,000 to purchase and install a grain sampling probe and a lot code printer for their packaging line to improve product tracking.

There has been an increased uptake in the Livestock Welfare Processor and Biosecurity Processor programs with 18 facilities being approved for funding for infrastructure purchases to improve animal welfare and biosecurity through the implementation of beneficial practices. For example, P. Quintaine & Son Ltd. was approved for $100,000 to improve its Brandon and New Bothwell facilities, including new ramps, docks, pens and alley system that improved biosecurity as well as animal welfare and worker safety.

RESEARCH

GROWING INNOVATION

Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative

The Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (ARDI) program received 89 applications since April 2013. Sixty-three were approved for a total of $6,431,565, which represents a funding ratio of 3.32. This program funds industry-led innovative research and development activities in crops, livestock, environment and food. It improves the competitive position of Manitoba’s agricultural, agri-food and agriproducts sectors by accelerating the pace of innovation in market development, production and proactive risk management. Projects under this program include:

• Supporting Canola Research - Canola Council of Canada was approved for $87,500 to study the effects of oleic enriched canola oil on body composition and lipid metabolism.

• Researching Organic Waste - Manitoba Hydro was approved for $111,970 for the development of an enhanced bioenergy production process through anaerobic digestion of dairy manure.

• Plant Based Protein Research - Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers was approved for $692,622 for 13 soybean-based research projects related to production and management practices.

2 The funding ratio is determined by dividing the total estimated project cost by the total approved funding. This ratio represents the estimated amount of money that the client is able to put back into the economy. A ratio over 1.0 is beneficial.

Growing Forward 2

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Manitoba Grain Innovation Hub

There were 43 Manitoba Grain Innovation Hub applications processed through the ARDI Innovation program with 33 approved for $4,239,114. The Grain Innovation Hub is specifically designed to enhance Manitoba’s leadership in innovation for the grains industry. Targets for investment include improvements to production, processing and utilization of cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops. Projects under this program include:

• Plant Extract Sampling Equipment - St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre was approved for $223,806 for the purchase and installation of a centrifugal countercurrent chromatography system used to identify single compounds that are part of a complex mixture.

• Pathogen Identification Model - The Pest Surveillance Initiative Laboratory was approved for $29,671 for the development of a system that can quickly and easily identify field crop pathogens in Manitoba.

On-Farm Research

The On-Farm program has received 108 applications. Forty-five have been approved to date, totalling $1,696,475, to provide financial assistance for projects carried out on Manitoba farms and ranches that accelerate the adoption of innovative new technologies and production practices in primary agriculture. The program assesses new technology, products or practices that could help producers adapt to changing demands and improve their competitiveness and sustainability. Projects under this program include:

• Converting Waste to High Quality Compost - Almost Urban Vegetables was approved for $39,790 to develop high-quality compost for use in small-scale vegetable production.

• Beehive Surveillance and Disease Detection - Durston Honey Farms Ltd. was approved for $50,000 for the development of smart hive technology for disease surveillance, and food traceability and compliance.

Capacity and Knowledge Development

The Capacity and Knowledge Development program had 64 projects approved for $28,019,466. The program helps ensure Manitoba has the capacity to develop and translate into outcomes, innovations that advance the competitiveness and sustainability of the agriculture, agrifood and agriproducts industries. The program aims to increase the scope and effectiveness of Manitoba’s innovation support network and to align the network with innovators in the agri-food industry. Projects under this program include:

• Development of a Transportation Performance Measurement System - Pulse Canada was approved for $255,000 for an AG Transportation Coalition Performance Measurement program, which addresses the efficiencies of grain rail freight service in Western Canada.

• Hemp Variety Research and Development - Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers was approved for $120,000 for a hemp variety development project to develop varieties with high grain and fibre yields.

April 2013 to March 2017 Progress Report

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

GROWING COMPETITIVENESS

Agri-Extension

The Agri-Extension program received 121 applications since April 2013. Eighty-eight were approved for a total of $976,736 for the development and delivery of group learning activities that will enhance the management skills of Manitoba producers and agri-processors. Projects under this program include:

• Addressing Dangerous Pathogen Risks - Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies was approved for $7,500 for their 2016 conference. Topics included risks of pathogens, how to grow membership numbers and organizational planning.

• Addressing On-Farm Financial Risks - Keystone Agricultural Producers was approved for $7,500 for the 2017 Manitoba Young Farmer Conference. The conference addressed the changing landscape of agriculture in a community-based forum and allowed young and beginning farmers to interact and share ideas with one another.

Next Generation

Since April 2013, the Next Generation program has received 130 applications. Ninety-nine were approved for a total of $470,113 for individual skill development and professional consulting services that enhance business management, including: • financial management

• risk management

• succession planning

• business strategy planning

• business structure planning

• production economics planning

In 2016-17, the program has provided funding for 16 young farmers to attend skill training initiatives and for 17 young farmers to seek professional consulting services.

GROWING VALUE

Commercialization

Since April 2013, the Commercialization program has received 114 applications. Forty-three were approved for a total of $2,258,105, which represents a funding ratio of 3.9. The program provides financial assistance to agriproduct processors engaged in pre-commercialization and commercialization activities that move innovations to market. Projects under this program include:

• Value Added Processing - Ash Apiaries Ltd. was approved for $50,000 to research and develop five beverages that use honey in place of sugar as a sweetener.

• Increased Production Capacity - Rede-Made Foods Inc.was approved for $80,683 to increase production efficiency through the addition of an automated mixer, sheeter and dough press.

Transformation

Since April 2013, the Transformation program approved 17 projects for a total of $13,218,791, which represents a funding ratio of 1.1. The program provides financial assistance to agribusinesses involved in equipment manufacturing or the processing of agriculture-related products. Projects under this program include:

• Hemp Fibre Production - Hemp Sense Inc. was approved for $125,121 for the purchase of additional equipment to make hemp pellets. Equipment is designed to transform the hemp straw byproduct, which is typically burned, into a useable resource.

Growing Forward 2

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• Humane Harvesting of Animals - Country Meat & Sausage was approved for $538,000 to purchase specialized meat cutting equipment that was incorporated into a new processing plant.

NEXT POLICY FRAMEWORKDevelopment work continues toward the next framework agreement that will succeed the Growing Forward 2 framework when it expires on March 31, 2018. The Multilateral Framework Agreement is a detailed agreement outlining the objectives of the Next Agricultural Policy Framework (NPF), the business risk management programs and the amount of funding in each province and territory for provincially-delivered programming. The new framework will continue to build on the long-term policy direction laid down by previous frameworks and successful programming areas.

Manitoba programming (also called strategic initiatives) to be developed under the next framework will support priority areas such as: • markets and trade• science• research and innovation• risk management• environmental sustainability and climate change• value-added agriculture and agri-food processing• public trust

Manitoba Agriculture is planning to have its programs available immediately after Growing Forward 2 expires in 2018.

Manitoba Agriculture has conducted an online survey and several engagement sessions with agriculture groups to discuss their programming needs and new ideas for the agriculture and agri-food sector. The feedback received from the survey and industry organizations will be considered along with the results of two industry engagement sessions, which took place in the summer of 2016.

For more information on the NPF development and to view the consultation material, visit Manitoba Agriculture’s website www.manitoba.ca/agriculture. To provide comments on what you would like to see in the next framework, email MBAgPolicyConsultation@gov.mb.ca .

Stay Connected to Growing Forward 2 in Manitoba• Subscribe to the Growing News electronic newsletter by emailing MAFRDGF2@gov.mb.ca.

• Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg.

• Visit manitoba.ca/agriculture and click on Growing Forward 2.

Available in alternate formats upon request. Published in June 2017