The Prairie Watershed On-Farm Climate Action Project (PWCP) is expanding, and it's good news for farmers in Manitoba. The project, which has been helping farmers reduce their environmental footprint since 2022, is getting a significant boost from the Canadian government.
Lynda Nicol, Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW), explains how phase one of the program has been a huge success.
"Phase one of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program ran from February 2022 to March 2025, and it’s been wildly successful," Nicol shared. "We implemented up to $68 million across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with the majority of those funds going directly to producers for land management practices like nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing."
In addition to the financial support, Nicol emphasized the importance of education. "We also held educational events to help farmers understand and adopt these practices. The uptake from producers in both provinces has been fantastic," she said. Nicol highlighted the valuable partnerships with local watershed districts that helped deliver the funds directly to farmers.
Looking ahead, Nicol is excited about the expanded phase of the project.
"Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced that the on-farm Climate Action Fund will continue, and we’re getting over $40 million for Manitoba," she said. "This funding will focus on supporting our local producers over the next three years, allowing for continued adoption of sustainable practices like nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing."
For farmers wondering when they can access this funding, Nicol clarified, "We expect the new program to start on April 1, 2025, and run until March 31, 2028. Our goal is to ensure there is no interruption in service for producers."
Nicol also emphasized the importance of outreach and education to help farmers take full advantage of these funds.
"We have a multi-pronged approach. We fund PWCP coordinators in each watershed district who work directly with farmers, helping them apply for funding. We also attend trade shows, host workshops, and organize field days where farmers can learn from their peers," she explained. "We’re also introducing an early adopters recognition program to highlight farmers who have successfully implemented these practices for years. It’s a way to showcase their leadership and help others learn from their experiences."
For anyone looking to access funding, Nicol stressed the importance of connecting with their local watershed district.
"The easiest way for producers to access this funding is through their local watershed district," she said. "If farmers aren’t sure which district they belong to, they can visit our website, manitobawatersheds.org, and find the right contact. The staff at these districts are incredibly helpful, and they’re there to guide farmers through the process and help them find the right programs for their needs."
With this new round of funding and continued support, Manitoba’s farmers are poised to take even more steps toward sustainable, climate-friendly agriculture practices.
For more information on the Manitoba Association of Watersheds visit their website or contact their office 204-202-7520