Farmer delegates from across Manitoba met virtually this week at the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) annual meeting, which ended with the passing of 15 resolutions reflecting their concerns.
Delegates called on KAP to address a wide range of issues, including unsafe roads and poor road conditions, carbon pricing, agricultural literacy and awareness, and provincial drainage capacity.
“KAP’s grassroots democratic structure ensures that we represent the concerns of farmers,” said KAP president Bill Campbell. “This meeting is an opportunity for farmers to bring forward their recommendations, guiding KAP lobby and advocacy efforts for years to come.”
Guests at the meeting included Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen; Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau; Special Representative for the Prairies Jim Carr; Leader of the Manitoba NDP Wab Kinew; and Manitoba NDP Agriculture Critic Diljeet Brar.
Delegates and observers participated in interactive workshops led by industry experts. Highlights included a presentation from Jennifer Marchand of Cargill on the impact of COVID-19 on the grain and oilseed supply chain, lessons learned, and the path forward. A presentation from analyst Kevin Grier examined the Canadian meat supply chain and its performance during COVID-19.
KAP also welcomed partners who presented workshops, including Farm Credit Canada, HUB International, STARS, The Co-operators, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre.
Bill Campbell, a grains and cattle producer from Minto, was acclaimed as KAP president. Jill Verwey, who operates a mixed farm near Portage la Prairie, and Jake Ayre, a grains and oilseeds producer from Minto, were acclaimed vice-presidents.
KAP also welcomed two young farmers to the board of directors: Carter McKinney as director for District 1, and Stefan Signer as director for Supply Managed Commodity Groups.
For a complete list of resolutions, please see the attachment.
-30-
For more information:
Graham Schellenberg, Communications and Government Relations Coordinator
Keystone Agricultural Producers
431-554-8352
graham.schellenberg@kap.ca