BIFROST, Manitoba, Canada, Jan. 17, 2011 -- The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced an investment of over $860,000* towards the Rural Municipality of Bifrost Excess Water Management Model initiative to help develop a more comprehensive approach to a sustainable water management system for agricultural lands. The Rural Municipality of Bifrost will also provide an in-kind contribution of $24,000.
"Manitoba producers are responsible stewards of the land and understand that flood management and excess water on fields affects the delicate balance between nature and sustainable agriculture land use," said Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers. "This new water management approach can have a major impact on how we work with producers in the future to improve how we address the challenges of flooded agricultural land in Manitoba and across Canada."
"Through the Economic Action Plan, our government is proud to invest in sustainable agriculture practices that generate results locally and globally," said MP James Bezan (Selkirk Interlake) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This support will allow Manitoba producers to continue to improve on-farm water management, thereby lowering their costs and increasing their productivity."
The initiative will help develop a producer/municipal/government partnership to study, make recommendations and create an action plan to manage excess moisture on agricultural land in the Rural Municipality of Bifrost. When developed, the model can be used by other jurisdictions facing similar circumstances.
The AgriFlexibility fund is an up to $500 million initiative to help implement new initiatives that will help the agriculture sector adapt to pressures and improve its competitiveness by funding projects that reduce production costs, improve environmental sustainability, promote innovation and respond to market challenges. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/agriflexibility.
Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy. For more information, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
* Dollar amounts are Canadian unless otherwise stated.###
