Winnipeg, MB –Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) welcomes the Honourable Ron Kostyshyn’s appointment today as Manitoba’s new Minister of Agriculture.

“On behalf of all Manitoba producers, I want to welcome Minister Kostyshyn back to his role as Minister of Agriculture, which he previously held from 2012-2016,” said KAP President, Jill Verwey.

Verwey also thanked former Minister, Derek Johnson, for his service to Manitoba producers and the agricultural industry during his time as Minister of Agriculture and highlighted some areas of success that KAP had been able to achieve during this period.

“I would like to thank former Minister Johnson for his steadfast commitment to working tirelessly for Manitoba producers and willingness to always listen,” said Verwey. “We were pleased to have achieved successes through increased funding for agriculture through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, increase of the Education Property Tax Rebate to 50%, and support of additional seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for Manitoba students.”

Brenna Mahoney, General Manager of KAP, noted how Kostyshyn’s previous experience and knowledge of the industry will provide an opportunity for an experienced perspective to help inform the continued progress on key files that are currently being worked through collaboratively with the Department of Agriculture staff team.

“Minister Kostyshyn’s past experience in this role, as well as personal experience as a producer, should provide confidence that Manitoba producers will continue to have a voice at the cabinet table when key decisions are being made that affect their farm operations,” said Mahoney. “We are confident that through our relationship with the new Minister, as well as our continued collaboration with the department staff, there should be a seamless transition with key priorities including addressing labour shortages and designing programs that are accessible to producers.”

Having producers engaged directly with the Minister and his team will be critical in the development of any policies, regulations, goals, strategies, and other initiatives that will impact the sector.

“KAP has and will always continue to advocate for producers having a voice and their perspectives known to key government decision makers on issues that affect their livelihoods and communities. We look forward to Minister Kostyshyn and the entire NDP government including feedback from producers in their decision-making process and welcome engaging with them in the near future,” concluded Verwey and Mahoney.

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For more information:

Colin Hornby

Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Keystone Agricultural Producers
Email: colin.hornby@kap.ca | Direct: (204) 898-2641