June 4, 2018
Province Releases Report From Consultations on Agricultural Crown Lands Program
The Manitoba government released a new report based on public consultations for the modernization of the agricultural Crown lands (ACL) program, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“Our government is focused on consultations and listening to Manitobans, and we have taken the time to hear from industry and stakeholders,” said Eichler. “We look forward to continuing those consultations as we continue to pursue program modernization and develop legislation that mirrors what we heard.”
Manitoba’s entry into the New West Partnership Trade Agreement with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan required a number of legislative changes that affected the ACL program. The province also committed to review and modernize the ACL program as part of this process, with the goal of improving the productivity, processes, utilization and stewardship of these lands and contributing to the growth of the livestock industry in Manitoba.
In February 2018, the province launched a consultation to ensure upcoming policy changes reflected the views of the livestock industry while reducing the administrative burden, and improving fairness and transparency in the system. The consultations focused on land management, leasing restrictions, and the length of terms and renewability of forage leases.
Manitoba Agriculture hosted 14 meetings with key stakeholders and received 37 written responses related to the ACL program, the minister said. Further dialogue is ongoing and more consultation will take place in the lead up to the introduction of legislation.
For more information on the agricultural Crown lands program and to access the full report, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/.
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