Keystone Agricultural Producers welcomes the 25 recommendations put forward by the Agriculture Risk Management Review Task Force in its final report released this past week. The task force was struck last winter to look at adapting agriculture risk management programs or developing new ones, in order to help mitigate the effects of climate change on farm production.
“Generally, the recommendations are about improving existing programs, as well as creating incentives for producers to adopt best management practices,” said KAP president Dan Mazier. “These will work hand in hand to help prevent production decreases and farm losses.”
“Climate change means floods, droughts and shifting weather patterns – and agriculture is possibly the industry that is affected most. We must look at ways that will sustain food production – and these recommendations, if implemented, can go a long way in doing that.”
KAP has provided a comprehensive submission to the task force.
“Many of our suggestions made it into the final report, including the option of providing some additional flexibility on how producers can access funds in AgriInvest without tax implications,” Mazier said. “AgriInvest is an important tool in giving farmers something to fall back on when adversity hits.”
He noted the task force also highlighted the importance of two programs KAP has been involved with in Manitoba – the ongoing Environmental Farm Plan and the former Alternate Land Use Services.
“The recommendations have been made, and now Manitoba farmers need action on them sooner rather than later,” Mazier said. “I urge our provincial and federal governments to act as quickly as possible.”
