Reflecting on the past year, the work undertaken by the team at KAP has exemplified the efficacy of collaboration and coalition building within Manitoba's agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including KAP's commodity group organizations, significant strides have been made in addressing farmers' needs. Initiatives such as FarmSafe Manitoba, Manitoba Young Farmers, KAP Labour Task Group, and the KAP Advisory Council have successfully responded to challenges, showcasing the power of unified efforts across diverse groups and notable progress on advocacy priorities.

 

KAP's 2023 advocacy efforts extend across various fronts, including engagements with various government bodies, industry organizations, and the farming community. Noteworthy activities include advocating for farmers' exemption from the Underused Housing Tax, contributing to the modernization of Seeds Regulations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and providing insights to the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry regarding soil health.

 

KAP's extensive engagement also spans areas such as ongoing involvement with stakeholders on grain contracts, collaboration with Manitoba commodity groups on responses to regulatory decisions, and active participation in Efficiency Manitoba's Energy Efficiency Advisory Group and Transport Canada's Rail Review. Our commitment to advocating for the removal of front-of-package labeling for certain raw single-ingredient ground meats and engagement with federal and provincial elected officials demonstrates our dedication to influencing key issues.

 

Engagement and outreach efforts in 2023 also included successful events like the revival of the historic KAP Classic Golf Tournament, where many connections were fostered, and $2,500.00 was donated to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program. The KAP Advisory Council, comprising of our grassroots delegates, continued to serve as a vital forum for Manitoba farmers to inform organizational policy, providing a platform for shaping the future of agriculture.

 

Under the Manitoba Young Farmers umbrella, the Agriculture Overview Program was launched, focusing on educating farmers and identifying opportunities for value addition. The program covers a range of activities, from exploring barley sector opportunities and learning leadership skills to addressing policy, mental wellness, and advocacy.

 

Furthermore, KAP's engagement with the public through events like Discover the Farm and Discover Ag in the City, as well as membership in the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, highlights our commitment to building awareness and trust in the agricultural industry. Our involvement in regulatory modernization, including farm safety initiatives, environmental farm plans, and membership in the Canada Grains Council, reinforces our dedication to advancing the industry responsibly.

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Through the changes of the past year, the KAP team has demonstrated remarkable initiative to maintain commitments and solve challenges. The ongoing efforts towards the development of a renewed strategic plan reflect our forward-focused approach, fueled by the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

The achievements we are proud to celebrate in this Annual Report would not have been possible without the active engagement and dedication of our Board of Directors and team. I also extend sincere gratitude to our partners in government, industry, and the farming community. Your collaborative spirit and involvement are instrumental in building on the sector's potential, and we look forward to working with partners again in the future and other initiatives.

 

Together, we are paving the way for a prosperous future for Manitobans in agriculture.