The governments of Canada and Manitoba will be providing $3 million in funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) over five years to support four diversification centres.

The private-public partnerships being supported include the Prairies East Sustainable Agriculture Initiative, Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization, Parkland Crop Diversification Centre and the Manitoba Horticulture Productivity Enhancement Centre.

“Manitoba’s diversification centres are a trusted partner, essential in collecting and sharing information with producers and many others about agronomy, environmental stewardship, emerging opportunities and innovative solutions,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “Our government remains committed to this essential partnership and the many benefits stemming from crop diversification centres for producers, the economy and the province as a whole.”

Funding will be used for operating costs such as research supplies, specialized services, land rental, equipment and maintenance.

“Our government is a strong supporter of innovation in the agriculture sector,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “By investing in these diversification centres, we are generating exciting new information sharing between researchers and producers that helps to drive the agriculture sector forward by giving farmers new crop management strategies and environmental best practices.”

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