WINNIPEG, MB – It’s official, Manitoba has signed the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year agreement to strategically invest $176 million in the provinces agricultural and agri-food sector.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler signed the bilateral agreement yesterday at the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, which is a leader in researching the connections between health, wellness and agriculture.

“The Canadian Agricultural Partnership will help the sector in Manitoba continue to innovate, grow and prosper,” said MacAulay. “We are committed to expanding business opportunities for Canadian producers, ranchers and processors, and strengthening the middle class by helping the agricultural sector reach its full potential.”

“We have seen remarkable recent investments and growth in Manitoba’s agriculture sector,” said Eichler. “Signing this bilateral agreement signals continued growth and even greater opportunities for success. Our government is very proud of the important role of our industry partners in the development of this agreement. We thank them for their input in consultations over the last two years and look forward to future investments that will support their members and operations. ”

The bilateral agreement ensures Manitoba’s priorities, opportunities and issues are reflected under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Farmers, agri-processors, industry organizations, researchers and industry service providers will be able to apply for funding for specific activities and strategic investments under the streamlined Ag Action Manitoba program.

The new five-year, $3-billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes $2 billion cost-shared strategic initiatives delivered by the provinces and territories and $1 billion for federal programs and services.