August 16, 2022
Manitoba Summer Fair Celebrations and Events Continue with Ongoing Investment in Agricultural Society Education and Infrastructure Grants
– – –Manitoba Investing $226,000 for Educational Programming, $95,000 for Infrastructure Projects in 2022-2023
As Manitoba’s agriculture organizations continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, education and infrastructure grants designated for fairs, celebrations and events are making it possible for families and communities to gather and enjoy the best of Manitoba’s summer celebration season, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.
“Making memories and celebrating our togetherness across the province is so important to our shared quality of life and to the economic vitality and strength of our communities,” said Johnson. “With this continuing investment, agricultural societies can host events such as agricultural fairs and education programming as well as improve community infrastructure to support these and other community events.”
In 2022-23, 56 agricultural societies will receive education funding totalling $226,000. An additional $95,000 in infrastructure funding will be given to 45 agricultural societies as part of the $1.4 million investment into infrastructure projects.
Manitoba agricultural societies will continue to return to pre-COVID-19 levels with this financial support and will be able to continue looking ahead with optimism, the minister said.
“Agricultural societies in Manitoba have long appreciated the support of the department and are pleased this support is ongoing so agricultural societies can continue their work in their communities,” said Pamela Hansen, president, Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies. “These grants can help with educational activities and community events as well as special projects that may have been put on hold due to the pandemic.”
Agricultural society events are woven deeply into the fabric of Manitoban’s agricultural communities. Reports of progress and public participation are encouraging.
In 2021-22:
- 74 per cent of reporting agricultural societies organized at least one event;
- 72 per cent were able to undertake one or more activities that supported Manitoba Agriculture’s mandate;
- 89 per cent of agricultural societies held events or supported community activities that enhanced the social well-being or economic development of rural Manitoba; and,
- agricultural societies showed innovation and creativity in providing programming and content in new ways to adjust to the pandemic.
The Agricultural Societies Act enables education and infrastructure grants to agricultural societies, the majority of which have or will be hosting annual fairs and other events in 2022-23 that support economic development in their communities.
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