The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.
The first phase of the PWCP, launched in 2022, was highly successful, distributing over $69 million across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. More than 4,100 producers and landowners participated in implementing Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs), which include nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. The program aimed to enhance climate resilience while maintaining farm productivity. Lynda Nicol, executive director of MAW was excited to share the news.
"We are thrilled to continue to offer the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program in Manitoba through Manitoba’s watershed districts. The success of the pilot phase project can be directly attributed to the work on the ground done by watershed district staff and the relationships they have with local communities."
With the extension of funding, the PWCP Nichol will focus solely on Manitoba, ensuring uninterrupted support for local producers.
"We have just over $40 million over the next three years to support continued expansion and adoption of these practices. All of that funding is accessed directly through Manitoba’s watershed districts."
The second phase of the program is set to launch on April 1, 2025, running until March 31, 2028. MAW is committed to ensuring that producers experience no disruption in funding access. To spread awareness and encourage participation, MAW employs a multi-pronged outreach strategy explained Nicol.
"We fund a PWCP coordinator position in each of the districts, allowing for one-on-one engagement with farmers. Additionally, the organization participates in trade shows, workshops, and field days to educate producers. Learning from other farmers who have successfully adopted BMPs is a key component of the outreach effort."
A new initiative under the expanded program is the Early Adopters Recognition Program, designed to highlight producers who have successfully implemented sustainable practices. "We are hoping to really highlight some local producers throughout Manitoba who have been early adopters of these practices," Nicol stated. "Their leadership can help other farmers understand what they can expect and learn from both the challenges and successes."
Nicol advised that producers interested in the PWCP and other funding opportunities are encouraged to contact their local watershed district.
"If they’re unsure of which watershed district they live in, they can visit our website, manitobawatersheds.org. Watershed district staff are incredibly welcoming and are there to help producers find programming that suits the needs of their farms."
With strong partnerships and a commitment to practical climate solutions, the PWCP is set to continue making a significant impact on Manitoba’s agricultural landscape.
- With files from Adi Loewen -