Over 5,000 Producers in Manitoba Take Action to Protect the Environment

November 30, 2007

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – More than 5,000 farmers across Manitoba have taken action to help protect the environment by completing Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs), the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, and Rosann Wowchuk, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiative, announced today.

"I'm thrilled to see farmers in Manitoba and across Canada continuing to play an important role as environmental stewards," said Minister Ritz. "This government is committed to working with producers to help them implement sound management practices that will reduce agriculture's impact on the environment."

"Manitoba farmers are committed to environmental stewardship, and it's gratifying to see so many farmers taking advantage of Environmental Farm Plans that help producers implement sound environmental practices," said Minister Wowchuk. "As each plan is implemented, we make progress towards our shared goals of reducing agricultural risks and protecting our water, soil and air for future generations."

By taking part in this program, producers identify environmental risks in their farming operations and access financial and technical assistance to mitigate those risks through the implementation of beneficial management practices (BMPs). BMPs include improvements in manure storage and handling applications, nutrient management planning, improved cropping systems, and product waste management.

The 5,000 completed EFPs represent over 8 million acres, nearly 50 per cent of all agricultural land in Manitoba.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is working with provincial and industry partners to develop programs and promote farming practices that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all Canadians and safe, healthy food for consumers.

The EFP program is delivered in Manitoba by the Farm Stewardship Association of Manitoba (FSAM) and supported by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) and AAFC under the Agriculture Policy Framework.

For more information on AAFC's stewardship programs, visit www.agr.gc.ca.