September 23, 2008

PROVINCE UNVEILS NEW INCENTIVES TO HELP MANITOBA PRODUCERS GO ORGANIC
Manitoba farmers and processors looking to tap into the province’s fast-growing organics sector by moving toward organic production will benefit from a new Manitoba Organic Transition Program, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.

“Retail sales of organic products are increasing at 15 to 20 per cent per year, opening the doors to a range of new opportunities for Manitoba producers and processors,” Wowchuk said. “New funding announced today will provide assistance to Manitobans interested in securing certified organic status for their cropland, pasture, livestock operations or processing facilities.”

More than $338,000 in funding is now available over a three-year period for the new program. The program will reimburse farmers and processors for the fees charged by qualified organic certification agencies during the transition to organic certification. Producers and processors can receive reimbursement of two-thirds of the cost of their transition fees up to an $800 maximum per year.

Producers and processors starting the transition process in 2008 or 2009 can receive up to $800 per year for two years to cover organic certification fees. Those already in their second year of the transition process are eligible for reimbursement of up to $800 per year for two years (covering the second and third years). Producers entering their third year of transition in 2008 can receive one year of funding.

Manitoba is the only prairie province to offer this type of organic incentive program to producers and processors, Wowchuk noted.

There are approximately 300 certified organic producers and processors in Manitoba, and nearly 100,000 acres dedicated to organic crops. Organic food production can mean reduced input costs, greenhouse gas reductions and often expanded access to fast-growing demand for organic foods.

The 2008 application deadline for the new Manitoba Organic Transition Program is Nov. 30. For more information on the program, producers and processors can visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/organic/index.html or contact any MAFRI GO Office.