Agriculture was mentioned today as the Manitoba government delivered its speech from throne to mark the opening of the third session of the 41st Manitoba Legislature.

The province said it will invest a significant portion of dollars through the new federal/provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) in research to capture emerging market opportunities and improve environmental outcomes.

The government is also encouraging responsible growth in the livestock industry by modernizing regulations for agricultural crown lands, investing in Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives; and enhancing biosecurity from the farm level through to industry service providers.

Steps will be taken this session to begin implementing the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan by naming an expert advisory commission of Manitobans, introducing legislation to strengthen conservation at the watershed level, creating a new licensing regime for water management, and working with private landowners to conserve wetlands and natural habitats.

The plan will come into effect in 2018.