MBP E-Newsletter: June 30, 2023

An update from MBP June 30, 2023 mbbeef.ca

Canada Beef partners with Manitoba Beef Producers to beef up the Gateway

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Canada Beef has partnered with the Manitoba Beef Producers to beef up the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway) by adding new and meaningful content. The Gateway which provides consumers with helpful information related to beef purchasing and preparation, now features an overview of the unique qualities of Manitoba’s beef industry through a special section on the platform. This is in response to Canada Beef wanting to increase consumer awareness and understanding of our province’s industry.

Consumers can access this information through the About Beef in Manitoba page. Canada Beef President Michael Young said that, “we’ve worked to ensure all the provincial beef producer associations across the country have the opportunity to participate in the Gateway. These new pages provide a prominent place to share information with consumers about beef farmers and ranchers, the attributes of beef, information about the farm-to-plate story and the significant economic contribution provided by our cattle industry.”

This information is supported with visually appealing videos, facts, and infographics to engage consumers. There is also an opportunity for provincial beef producer associations to link from their Gateway page to content on other websites they host.

The geolocator functionality will take viewers located in our province who are browsing the Gateway, to a link to the About Beef in Manitoba page. Users will reach this information, through the steps outlined here.

-Access the Gateway through a QR code or by typing gateway.cdnbeef.ca into a browser. Once there, users will discover a digital ecosystem with of a wealth of information to help at the point of purchase and during meal planning, prepping, and cooking delicious Canadian beef, all culminating in a positive and enjoyable beef eating experience.

- Next, from the Gateway, scroll down to the Explore More section and the Manitoba Coat of Arms flag.

- Click on the flag to arrive at the Beef in Manitoba Gateway page. Explore, learn, and have fun!

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APPLYTODAYFORTHE $2000 CANADIANBEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY

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“Manitoba’s hard-working beef producers contribute to Canada’s innovative cattle industry, and we want to find ways to share the important work they do and how and why they do it. It’s also important that we continue to develop resources that help us to communicate with and educate consumers, with the endgoals of increasing carcass utilization and beef sales. This new page on the Gateway is another step in helping us accomplish this,” noted Young.

About the Canadian Beef Information Gateway

The Canadian Beef Information Gateway is a digital ecosystem full of a wealth of information for consumers with over 70 beef cuts including recipes with videos, nutrition and grading information, cooking methods, shopping and ingredient lists and more. All of this is to help ensure the consumer has access to resources during meal planning, shopping, and cooking to maximize their enjoyment of delicious Canadian beef.

To learn more about how the Gateway is serving the Canadian beef industry, please visit: https://canadabeef.ca/stakeholder-gateway

About Canada Beef

As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Mexico. In addition to National Check-Off and import levy funding, Canada Beef leverages cattle producer dollars with private market partner investments and government industry development funding to maximize the benefits of producer checkoff investment.

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders names its 2023 semifinalists

June 28, 2023

Calgary, AB - The Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program is pleased to announce its semi-finalists for the upcoming 2023-2024 program year.

Since established by CCA in 2010, the Canadian CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18-35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain to build the next generation of industry leaders by providing unique mentorship, training, and professional and personal development opportunities.

Semi-finalists were selected by a judging panel from submitted written applications available annually from early January to the end of March on the Canadian CYL Program website This year, we received 70 applications by tremendously impressive young people from across the country who are passionate about the future success of the Canadian beef industry.

Semi-finalists will be invited to attend the annual CYL Selections Competition taking place August 15, 2023, during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, AB. The semifinalists will participate in judged roundtable discussions on timely beef industry related topics to compete for a spot in the upcoming program year.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding applicants CCA’s board and staff applaud each of you for your eagerness to learn and grow within the beef industry.” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the agriculture industry, and our future is dependent on investing in our young leaders.”

The 2023 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:

• British Columbia: Brett Squair (Lumby), Cassie Marchand (Vernon), and Kayla Shallard (Hixon)

• Alberta: Adeleen Bolduc (Stavely), Ashley Nicholls (Foothills County), Blaire Sawyer (Pine Lake), Brayden Schmidt (Didsbury), Coleman Nixdorff (Rocky View County), Denay Bjornson (Wanham), Erick Santos (Edmonton), Karlene Yakemchuk (Hairy Hill), Rob Ziegler (Okotoks), Shae Wasyliw (High River) and Zoe Gould (Consort)

• Saskatchewan: Brooke Martin (Piapot) and Levi Hurlburt (Moose Jaw)

• Manitoba: Kristelle Harper (Brandon) and Marianne Sytnyk (Oakburn)

• Ontario: Carolyn Darling (Castleton), Emily Bromley (Renfrew), Kaley Mackie Rodman (Northern Bruce Peninsula)

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots

• Quebec: Laurie Côté-Sarrazin (Clerval), Patrick Sullivan (Gracefield)

• Nova Scotia: Susan Hamilton (Truro)

Following the competition, the selected finalists will be matched with an industry leader in their specific area of interest in the beef industry for a nine-month mentorship opportunity. They will also be granted a $2,000 budget to fund their engagement in various industry events and learning opportunities throughout the year, with additional travel and networking opportunities throughout the program year.

These exceptional opportunities would not be possible without the generous support of program Foundation Partners Cargill, MNP, McDonald’s Canada and New Holland, and Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, RBC Future Launch and Elanco.

About the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) welcomes young people ages 18-35 across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain, to be paired with an industry leader in their specific area of interest for a nine-month mentorship. Through mentorship, networking, and travel, the Canadian CYL Program acts as an industry succession planning tool to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue to drive the growth and profitability of the Canadian beef industry. Since established by the Canadian Cattle Association in 2010, the program has seen over 170 CYL graduates. Program applications are open annually for ages 18-35 on our website from early January to the end of March. Learn more at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.

For further information, contact:

Michelle McMullen Communications Manager

Canadian Cattle Association

403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots

West Nile Virus Bulletin #1

(June 30, 2023 Province of Manitoba media release)

Manitoba Health reports that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus (WNV) were collected from the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul during the week of June 18 to 24. This is the first mosquito pool that has tested positive in Manitoba this season.

The first positive pool was detected earlier than normal this year, likely due to warmer temperatures in southern Manitoba this spring and summer. There have only been three other times in the last 20 years where a positive mosquito pool was detected during this week.

The risk of WNV infection depends on various factors including time of year, number and location of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, and the number of days with sufficient heat. Risk of exposure to WNV is currently low but likely to increase in the coming weeks, as the highest risk period is historically in July and August. Manitobans are reminded that it takes just a single bite from an infected mosquito to contract WNV.

While most people who are infected will develop mild or no symptoms, some can develop severe symptoms that can result in hospital stays and even death. Recovery from WNV infection, particularly severe symptoms, can take months or years.

While Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities, it is critical to reduce the risk

of mosquito bites and potential exposure to WNV by:

• reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;

• using an appropriate mosquito repellent;

• wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs;

• maintaining door and window screens; and

• cleaning and emptying yard items that collect water.

In 2022, there were seven cases of WNV in Manitoba, and five of those were hospitalized. No confirmed human cases of WNV have been identified in Manitoba yet this year.

WNV updates will continue to be shared with the public throughout the summer.

For more information about prevention, symptoms, weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health-care providers, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/

Manitobans can also contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or at 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.

Manitoba Government Proclaims Highway

Traffic Act Amendments to Bill 46 to Prohibit Driving on Closed Roads

(June 30, 2023 Province of Manitoba media release) The Manitoba government’s amendments to the Highway Traffic Act under Bill 46 come into force tomorrow, which creates new offences for driving on a road that has been closed to traffic, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced today.

“We have heard from the RCMP that drivers ignore road closure signs and barricades and proceed to use roads that have been closed due to severe weather and other hazardous conditions,” said Piwniuk. “This puts motorists, law enforcement, emergency responders, operators of snow-clearing equipment and road maintenance staff in danger. That is why our government has enacted an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act to make it an offence to drive on closed roads.”

Amendments to the preset fines and offence description regulation under the Provincial Offences Act establish the following preset fines for new Highway Traffic Act offences:

• $298 for driving a light vehicle (such as a car, SUV or pick-up truck) on a closed road;

• $672 for directing a person, such as an employee, to drive a light vehicle on a closed road;

• $672 for driving a heavy vehicle on a closed road; and

• $1,296 for directing a person, such as an employee, to drive a heavy vehicle on a closed road.

In addition to fines, individuals convicted of driving on a closed road will be penalized two demerit points. Law enforcement will also have the option of sending drivers to court in very serious cases where fines may be applied of up to $2,000 for offences involving light vehicles and up to $5,000 for offences involving heavy trucks and buses, the minister noted.

“Far too many times we have seen vehicles ignore the barricades or find ways around them, such as using service roads, and it is very dangerous,” said Insp. Michael Gagliardi, officer in charge of traffic services, Manitoba RCMP. “It has always been illegal to go around a roadclosure barricade, but these amendments provide a more effective way for us to enforce this type of offence as it is now a specific charge under the Highway Traffic Act. This will help us in our efforts to keep Manitoba roads safe for everyone.”

The amendments bring Manitoba in line with other provinces including British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan, which have already made it an offence to drive on closed roads.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Meet to Discuss Emergency Management

(June 29, 2023 Joint Federal-Provincial Governments News Release) Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for emergency management met virtually June 28 to discuss progress made on shared emergency management priorities.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Bill Blair, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Doyle Piwniuk, minister responsible for emergency management for Manitoba.

The meeting occurred at a time when unprecedented wildfires have devastated some regions. The ministers shared information on preparedness and response measures and emphasized the critical need for all emergency management partners in Canada to collaborate and improve disaster resilience. They recognized the extraordinary work of emergency responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, volunteers, non-governmental organizations, and emergency managers in Indigenous communities, municipalities and from both orders of government in the response to the wildfires.

Review of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements

During the meeting, provincial and territorial ministers were able to share their views on the recent Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) review process, particularly in light of the significant increase in climate-related and other disasters that provinces and territories are facing. They also discussed the planning for the modernization process and how the Government of Canada will continue to engage provinces and territories on updating the program, including through regional workshops, collaborative group work and open dialogue.

Ministers were also briefed on the findings of the DFAA Advisory Panel and the outcomes of the broader DFAA review, both of which call for a modernized program that can continue to support

provinces and territories and build greater resilience to future disaster risk.

Flood Insurance

Ministers discussed the progress and issues on the development of a low-cost flood insurance program. Such a program would clarify roles, responsibilities and priorities of both orders of government, and provide homeowners with protection in a changing risk environment. The program could transfer financial risk from households to insurers, backstopped through a public reinsurance program.

National Public Alerting System

Ministers reviewed the progress on strengthening the overall use, sustainability, and governance of the National Public Alerting System and to explore alternative funding models in collaboration with provinces and territories. Ministers also reviewed the public alerting recommendations of the recent Mass Casualty Commission final report, Turning the Tide Together.

Ministers instructed their respective teams to continue this work, and to consider the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission report related to public alerting, including its call for an alerting framework.

Public Safety Broadband Network

Ministers discussed the continued work on the development of a public safety broadband network in Canada with a co-ordinated pan-Canadian approach and a focus on the next steps to establish a governance framework. Ministers re-iterated the importance of interoperable communications as well as addressing the different needs in regions across Canada.

Emergency Management Strategy for Canada Action Plan

Ministers discussed the major progress made on emergency management initiatives detailed in the federal, provincial, territorial 2021-22 Emergency Management Strategy Interim Action Plan, including on items discussed at the meeting which

continued on page 9

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Meet to Discuss Emergency Management

are shared priorities, built on sustained dialogue, active participation and ongoing discussions among all partners to advance shared priorities and activities across all four pillars of emergency management: prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Ministers agreed to extend the 2021-22 Interim Action Plan to December to continue advancing work supporting its five strategic actions, including continued FPT engagement to ensure strong cohesion for emergency management; improving pan-Canadian understanding of disaster risk; and reducing flood risk across Canada. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments will continue their work to bring forward a new version of a comprehensive action plan.

Ministers agreed to meet again in December. At that time, they will also meet with national Indigenous organizations in a dedicated meeting.

Quotes

“The frequency and severity of natural disasters, including floods and wildfires, are growing every

year. All orders of government are working together to ensure the safety of Canadians and the communities they live in. Forums like this one are a prime example of that partnership in action, and I would like to thank my provincial and territorial colleagues for their ongoing collaboration as we work to bolster emergency management in Canada.” — The Honourable Bill Blair, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

“The Manitoba government continues to work with its partners in co-ordinating and integrating activities to mitigate against natural disasters like wildfires and floods to ensure resiliency and safety for all citizens across the country. The continued collaboration of all levels of government will help promote shared priorities in advancing climate resiliency programs and to build on innovative approaches to solving disaster challenges.” — Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Doyle Piwniuk, minister responsible for emergency management for Manitoba

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta Governments Join Federal Government to Engage First Nations on Agricultural Opportunities

(June 27, 2023 Joint Federal and Provincial Governments News Release) Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson announced that their governments have completed a collaborative project that engaged First Nations communities with the goal of furthering Indigenous participation in the agriculture sector.

The released report provides a summary of what was heard through engagement. The report indicates that some First Nations communities in the Prairie provinces are interested in growing their food systems through traditional practices as well as increasing their participation within the agriculture sector. The information collected will inform departmental priorities and policies and programs aimed at the advancing Indigenous agriculture and food systems.

The federal government, along with the governments of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, have been working together since May 2021 on a collaborative project to engage with First Nations communities in all three provinces. The project focused on the identification of current practices and the resources, policies, programs and actions required to further advance First Nations food systems and agricultural and agri-processing economic development.

The project had been supported under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Federal

Regional Collaborative Partnerships Program, which provides funding for collaborative projects amongst provinces and territories to address shared priorities beyond the scope of a single jurisdiction.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a fiveyear, $3-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership ended on March 31 and was replaced by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5-billion, five-year agreement, between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, in effect from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.

Quotes

“We have a lot to learn from the knowledge and diverse experiences of First Nations partners. By working together in the spirit of reconciliation, we will support actions that will increase their participation in the agriculture sector and further advance food systems among Indigenous communities.” Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“The Manitoba government is extremely pleased to have collaborated with Alberta, Saskatchewan and the federal government in engaging First Nations communities across the Prairie provinces to discuss and identify current agricultural practices in those communities, continued on page 11

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta Governments Join Federal Government to Engage First Nations on Agricultural Opportunities

understand how we can move forward in supporting new opportunities, and removing barriers to participation in the sector. First Nations have a wealth of experience in agriculture and I look forward to learning from them as we move forward together. Developing food hubs and other economic activities related to agri-processing and food production is a key step in ensuring community resiliency and health. This project will support First Nations agriculture and food projects and support our government’s ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation as we work together with our Indigenous partners to understand their interests and support their agricultural visions.” — Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support First Nations engagement in the agricultural sector to develop economic, social, and cultural opportunities that will help us all move forward together. Jurisdictional collaboration helps to advance the sector to its continued path of sustainability and growth.”

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit

“We appreciated the co-operative discussions with First Nations communities, the other Prairie provinces and the federal government throughout this initiative. It has been very constructive to listen and learn from one another. By working collaboratively, we have a shared understanding how First Nations’ experiences and practices can strengthen our

collective agriculture and agri-food sectors.”

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson

“Indigenous Peoples are critical to conversations and decision-making in areas such as food systems and climate change. It will be important to recognize the shared responsibility for advancing environment and climate outcomes in the agriculture sector and important roles to be played by each actor. Collaborating with Indigenous partners on sustainability and strengthening Indigenous-led food systems will be particularly important.” — Dale Worme, chair, National Indigenous Agriculture Association

To read the report on First Nation Agriculture in the Prairie Region, visit https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/ 20232024/first-nation-agriculture-in-the-prairieregion.pdf.

Manitoba RCMP Monthly Crime Statistics for May 2023

Source: June 26, 2023 RCMP News Release

Calls for Service - May 2022 vs. May 2023:

East District: +36% (5,722 to 7,800)

North District: +8% (6,399 to 6,909)

West District: +39% (3,872 to 5,366)

Overall, the Calls for Service counts increased by 26% (15,993 to 20,075).

East District

Common Police Activities 0% (863 to 867)

Crime against Property -1% (954 to 948)

Crime against Person +29% (374 to 481)

Drug Enforcement +107% (29 to 60)

West District

Common Police Activities +17% (600 to 701)

Crime against Property +12% (732 to 820)

Crime against Person +41% (339 to 478)

Drug Enforcement +18% (40 to 47)

North District

Common Police Activities +8% (829 to 894)

Crime against Property +12% (1259 to 1412)

Crime against Person +16% (913 to 1058)

Drug Enforcement +76% (33 to 58)

For a listing of the communities served by each District, please visit: https://www.rcmpgrc.gc.ca/mb/stats/districts-eng.htm

The complete statistics can be found here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb/stats/indexeng.htm

BEEF, BURROWING OWLS AND BIODIVERSITY

The Canadian Cattle Association's Public and Stakeholder Engagement team along with Story Brokers Media House - the groups who produced the critically acclaimed documentary Guardians of the Grasslands - were in Manitoba this week to begin work on a new film about species at risk across Canada.

The documentary film crew captured interviews with beef producers Melissa and Trevor Atchison as well as the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program.

Pictured: Alexandra Froese, MBORP Executive Director, along with brand ambassador, Bindi. (Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP)

Producers Encouraged to Provide Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Until July 17

(Source: Manitoba Agriculture Website) On June 2, 2023, the Minister of Agriculture announced proposed changes to further enhance the Agricultural Crown Lands Program. Through amendments to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation, under The Crown Lands Act, Manitoba is proposing to:

• Determine forage capacity at the outset of a forage lease or renewable permit (evaluating AUMs)

• Expand eligibility to hold an agricultural Crown lands lease or permit to include Indigenous organizations

• Allow terms of new leases (post October 2019) to be extended by five years to a maximum of 20 years where a forage management plan has been implemented and good land management has been demonstrated

• Allow new leaseholders (post October 2019) to transfer the remainder of thelease term to another eligible party

• Allow leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder for leases issued before October 2019, provided the lease is not selected through Treaty Land Entitlement

• Valuing improvements at the end of a lease through a third party appraiser

Please review the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permit RegulationProposed Amendments.

Please review the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permit Regulation - Proposed Amendments. Or visit pages 14-35 of this newsletter.

Send us your thoughts and suggestions to help refine Manitoba's proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Comments can be provided through the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at http://reg.gov.mb.ca/home

For more information on agricultural Crown lands, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agricultural Crown Land Leases and Permits Regulation, Amendment

June 2023

The Government of Manitoba is amending the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation to improve the productivity of Agricultural Crown Land (ACL) and better meet the needs of ACL leaseholders, Manitoba’s livestock sector, and Indigenous communities and organizations. Information on this page reflects the ACL leasing program in accordance with the proposed amendments.

Q. What effect will the changes have on my current lease?

A. None. All current leases maintain all expiry dates, rental rates, permissions, obligations, terms and conditions as when they were issued. The changes to the regulation will provide current leaseholders with increased flexibility to transfer a lease or nominate the next leaseholder, and an option to extend the term of new system lease.

Q. What is the difference between a legacy lease and new system lease?

A. A legacy lease is a lease issued before October 2019 and a new system lease is a lease issued after October 2019. See the table below.

Legacy Lease New System Lease

Lease Term

Length

Expires at age 65, but renewable in 15 year terms after age 65. Essentially a lifetime lease.

Renewable Yes, in 15 year terms

Extendable No, extensions are not required as this type of lease is renewable.

Transfer to Family Yes, leaseholders can transfer to immediate family members only.

Transfer outside of Family

No, leaseholders cannot transfer outside of immediate family members. As proposed, the amendment would allow leaseholder to nominate non-family members for a new system lease, but not a legacy lease

15 year lease term.

No, new system leases are not renewable.

Yes, the proposed amendment would provide an option to extend to 20 years with an approved Forage Management Plan

Yes, currently available to transfer to immediate family for remainder of 15-year lease. The proposed amendment would allow possibility of 5-year extension.

Yes, for remainder of 15-year lease term. The proposed amendment would allow possibility of 5-year extension.

How do I get one?

Manitoba no longer issues Legacy leases. The only way to access a legacy lease is through an immediate in family transfer.

Manitoba’s current method of issuing leases is through auction or transfer from another new system leaseholder, or nomination by a legacy leaseholder.

Q. Does the amendment allow me to sublet my lease to another producer?

A. No. There are no proposed changes to allow subletting. As proposed leaseholders will continue to be required to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of livestock and forage. Custom grazing continues to be permitted. The difference is in the active management of the lease where the leaseholder is required to be at the property checking or moving cattle, fixing fence, monitoring forage stand health etc.

Q. Does status on the leaseholder ban list impact decisions made on applications to extend, transfer or nominate?

A. Under Section 18.1 of the current regulation, the director may prohibit a person, band, or organization from participating in an auction or decline to receive an application from a person, band or organization for an ACL lease or permit for a period not longer than five years. Through operational policy, if Manitoba determines that a leaseholder:

 is not actively farming,

 is not maintaining the sustainability of the parcel for farming,

 provides false/misleading information to the department, or

 does not pay their lease or permit fees,

the leaseholder is put on a leaseholder ban list for two years which restricts participation in an auction or results in denying their application. As a result, a leaseholder’s status on the ban list would also restrict their ability to transfer, extend, nominate, or renew a lease or permit.

Q. Can I prevent the public from accessing parcels of leased or permitted Agricultural Crown Lands?

A. No. The amendments do not affect public access rights. The public can access ACL under lease. The public cannot disturb livestock or disrupt farm and ranch operations.

Determining Land Productivity

Q. What is an AUM?

A. AUM stands for Animal Unit Month. AUMs are the basis for determining forage capacity of each ACL parcel as determined by Manitoba Agriculture. The goal is to place the optimum number of animals on each parcel for the forage it can produce, thereby ensuring efficiency while leaving enough forage for quick and complete recovery.

An Animal Unit Month (AUM) is the amount of forage required by one animal unit (AU) for one month. One animal unit is equal to 1,000 lb (450 kg) beef cow with or without a nursing calf with a daily intake requirement of 26 lb. (11.8 kg) of dry matter forage.

The stocking rate of the parcel is based on two factors a) time on pasture, and b) number of animal units. For example, a parcel capable of producing enough forage for 40 AUMs, could sustain 10, 1,000 lb beef cows (AU) for 4 months (10 cows x 4 months = 40 AUMs). Generally, cows are larger than this and one

cow may account for greater than one AUM. If the cows are equivalent to 1.3 AU, the same parcel may only support seven or eight cows for the same four-month period.

For the same parcel, an alternative grazing plan may have cows on the parcel for only one month. If the cows are equivalent to one AU, then 40 cows can be grazed for the month, if they are 1.3 AU.

Although simplified, the parcel in each example is capable of producing 40 AUMs.

Q. When is forage capacity of a parcel determined? Can I request a review of the AUMs on my lease?

A. Manitoba Agriculture reviews are done at the time of allocation or renewal. Any improvements to forage productivity because of management will not result in increases in AUMs and thus rental rates during the lease term. As proposed in the regulatory amendment, further reviews during the lease period will not be conducted, even if the productivity decreases If leaseholders have concerns about the assessed AUMs (productivity), they can surrender the lease or permit.

Investing in Productivity

Q. Are rental rates changing?

A. The rental formula is not changing. Forage rent fees are calculated using a market-based formula: 3.5% of the market price of beef multiplied by the forage capacity or total AUMs. As calf prices change, rental rate will fluctuate

A 50% rent relief discount is in place for 2023. The proposed amendment formalizes Manitoba’s commitment to reduce rates by 33% in 2024, and 15% in 2025 to help producers recover from recent extreme moisture years.

Expanding Eligibility

Q. Are there any changes to the eligibility to hold an ACL lease?

A. Yes. In 2019, Manitoba expanded eligibility to hold an ACL lease or permit to include First Nations bands. The proposed amendment further expands the eligibility of a band to include any non-profit organization that principally represents the interests of one or more bands, individuals of Metis decent, or holders of aboriginal or treaty rights.

Extending a Lease

Q. What is a Forage Management Plan?

A. A forage management plan lays out practices that support sustainable management of forage leases and improved forage productivity. The goal of the plan is to increase livestock production and sustain forage stands on ACL land at highly productive levels.

As proposed in the regulatory amendment, a professional agrologist must approve the plan five years before the expiry of the lease to qualify for a five-year extension. In order to receive the five-year extension, the leaseholder must demonstrate that they have been in substantial compliance with the forage management plan.

For example, a lease issued in 2020 must have a forage management plan in place by December 31, 2029, or five years before the initial expiry date of December 31, 2034. If approved for the extension, the final expiry date of the lease would be December 31, 2039.

Q. Is there funding or support available to producers to improve ACL productivity?

A. Funding is available through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s (SCAP) Grasslands and Grazing Management Funding Stream. For ACL leaseholders, eligible activities include development of forage management plans and purchasing fencing and watering systems.

Manitoba Agriculture is investigating opportunities to increase extension services to forage leaseholders, and offering cost-shared programs aimed to improve ACL productivity. This support may work in concert with the developing forage management plans, following them, and verifying their success.

Transferring a Lease

Q. Does the proposed regulatory amendment reinstate the former ‘Unit Transfer’ provision to its pre-2019 format?

A. No. Unit transfers were removed in 2019. Since 2019, leaseholders can only transfer leases to immediate family members, which includes spouse, common-law partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew of a person, including a person's corresponding inlaws and step-relations. The proposed amendment would allow legacy leaseholders to ‘nominate’ an eligible party to take on a new system lease for a term of 15 years extendable to 20 years if a forage management plan was prepared and complied with.

Q. Can I transfer my lease to someone outside my family?

A. Yes. As proposed, if you hold a new system lease, you could transfer the remainder of the term to anyone eligible to hold a lease or permit. The transferee would hold the lease for the remainder of the original 15-year term In this case, the transferee would be eligible for a five-year extension providing requirements for extension were met.

For legacy leaseholders, transfers are limited to family members with and the legacy lease and its features would endure. The proposed amendment provides an opportunity to nominate a non-family leaseholder, however, in this case the nominee would be issued a new system lease with a 15-year term extendable to 20 years if a forage management plan was prepared and complied with.

Nominating a New Leaseholder

Q. What is the new nomination process?

A. The regulation amendment would permit legacy leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder. Legacy leaseholders would apply for a nomination certificate, and if approved, use the nomination certificate to apply to nominate the next leaseholder. As proposed, the next leaseholder would be issued a new system lease of 15-years with the opportunity for a five-year extension.

Q. Is the nomination certificate approval guaranteed?

A. No. Once a leaseholder applies for a nomination certificate, the application is irrevocable. Manitoba Agriculture would circulate the parcel through the Treaty Land Entitlement process and to Indigenous communities to identify impact to aboriginal and treaty rights. If the land is located in a Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Community Interest Zone (CIZ), eligible First Nations can select the land under TLE. If selected, the land is no longer available for lease and the current lease would be canceled. If not selected and no concerns related to treaty and aboriginal rights are identified, the land would be available for lease by an eligible nominee The application could also be denied if the leaseholder is in violation of the regulation or the terms and conditions of the lease.

Q. Is a family transfer of a legacy lease subject to TLE selection?

A. No. Legacy lease transfers to family members are not subject to TLE selection.

Valuing Improvements

Q. What are my options when dealing with improvements I made on my lease?

A. Currently, outgoing leaseholders have three options regarding improvement value when leases are surrendered or expire. These are:

 forego improvement value and surrender them to the Crown. At auction, the improvements will be considered to have zero value.

 retain any removable improvements such as fences, watering devices, or other equipment or items for sale or other repurposing.

 seek compensation from, or sell improvements to, the next leaseholder by obtaining an appraisal of the improvements

There are no proposed changes to these current options.

Q. Can I sell my improvements to the next leaseholder?

A. Outgoing leaseholders can be compensated for investments made on eligible improvements. The amendment proposes a new process for this.

Outgoing leaseholders seeking compensation for improvements must have the improvements valued by a qualified appraiser at their own cost. Manitoba Agriculture would post the improvement value determined by the appraiser with the parcel at auction. This new approach reduces ambiguity around improvement values, and allows interested leaseholders to make an informed bid. Successful bidders would be required to submit the value of the improvements to the outgoing leaseholder

Situations exist where outgoing leaseholders must forego improvement value. These include land selected for TLE, and land not allocated by auction within two years of expiry or surrender.

Q. Do I have the option to set my own value of improvements if I disagree with the appraisal?

A. No. The proposed amendment requires Manitoba Agriculture to post the total value of improvements as determined by the appraiser.

Q. How can I be sure I will be paid for my improvements?

A. The proposed amendment includes provisions requiring the outgoing leaseholder to pay the incoming leaseholder. The former holder is entitled to compensation from the new holder for any remaining improvements made by the former holder to the leased or permitted lands if the former holder meets the requirements set out in the regulation. If all requirements in the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation have been met and the improvements remain on the leased or permitted lands, the new holder must pay the appraised value of the improvements to the former holder within 60 days after the auction.

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation

Proposed Amendments

June 2023

A message from the Minister

Dear Manitobans,

I am pleased to introduce proposed changes to further enhance the Agricultural Crown Lands Program through amendments to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation, a regulation under The Crown Lands Act. Agricultural Crown lands (ACL) are an important public asset economically, environmentally, and socially. Agriculturally, these Crown lands are essential to supporting and growing the livestock industry in Manitoba. In addition, many Indigenous peoples utilize these lands for traditional purposes and to exercise Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Through these regulatory changes Manitoba aims to build productivity investments by balancing the requests from existing and potential new ACL leaseholders, Indigenous peoples and communities. Since 2018, Manitoba Agriculture has sought and reviewed feedback from forage leaseholders around rent costs, lease terms and conditions, land productivity, and programs and services. Furthermore, various Indigenous communities, organizations, and bands have increased participation in the use and management of agricultural Crown lands.

The proposed amendments to the regulation will update the Agricultural Crown Land Program by:

- Determining forage capacity at the outset of a forage lease or renewable permit (evaluating animal unit months or AUMs)

- Expanding eligibility to hold an agricultural Crown lands lease or permit to include Indigenous organizations

- Allowing terms of new leases (post October 2019) to be extended by five years to a maximum of 20 years where a forage management plan has been implemented and good land management has been demonstrated

- Allowing new leaseholders (post October 2019) to transfer the remainder of their lease term to another eligible party

- Allowing leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder for leases issued before October 2019, provided the lease is not selected through Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE)

- Valuing improvements at the end of a lease through a third party appraiser

We want to make sure we are considering stakeholder perspectives for the management of provincial agricultural Crown land as a public asset. We encourage you to share your ideas as we continue to implement changes to enhance and modernize the Agricultural Crown Lands Program.

Sincerely,

Honourable Derek Johnson Minister, Manitoba Agriculture

The Agricultural Crown Lands Program

Manitoba’s Agricultural Crown Lands Program administers agricultural Crown lands to support the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd, contribute to ecological goods and services, and provide mitigation and adaptation to climate change, while recognizing Indigenous use for traditional purposes and to exercise Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Provincial Crown lands are lands that are vested with the Manitoba government. The Manitoba government uses a planning process to determine how parcels of Crown land may be used. This planning process has identified approximately 1.5 million acres as suitable for agricultural use and is designated as agricultural Crown lands. While important to agriculture, it also supports the ecological and environmental priorities of many Manitobans that enjoy these vast areas and the natural diversity they offer.

The Agricultural Crown Lands Program facilitates the use of provincial land for agriculture, in the form of cropping leases, forage leases and hay and grazing permits. Forage leases, held primarily by cattle producers, account for the majority of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program activity.

Since 2017, Manitoba has been committed to modernizing the Agricultural Crown Lands Program. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation (Regulation) was amended in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022 including:

- Expanding eligibility to hold a lease or permit to Canadian residents and First Nations bands;

- Shifting from a points system to a tender system and finally to an auction-based system;

- Calculating forage rents using a market-based formula;

- Eliminating the ability of leaseholders to transfer an agricultural Crown lands lease to a third party as part of a farm sale and limiting transfers to immediate family members only;

- Eliminating lease terms and limiting new lease terms to a maximum of 15 years; and

- Enabling a 50 per cent rent reduction as a 2023 adjustment in annual rent or fee.

In October 2022, an EngageMB survey was held to gather views surrounding forage leases under the Agricultural Crown Lands Program and ways to enhance leaseholder investment in agricultural Crown land parcels to improve productivity. Respondents indicated increased need for departmental support, cost-shared programming to improve productivity, longer term lengths, assurances of return on investments and parcel improvements, and an ability to transfer their lease. A summary of the survey can be found at Agricultural Crown Lands Program - Forage Leases | EngageMB.

Determining Land Productivity

A key priority of the Manitoba government is to maximize livestock numbers and improve forage productivity in the ACL Program through the use of well managed native and tame pasture. Proper land management requires a producer to be familiar with the amount of dry matter forage the pasture can produce and the amount of forage required over the grazing season by each animal and the herd as a whole. As such, the proper combination of land, time and number of animals ensures the sustained, long-term productivity of the pasture.

Forage capacity of ACL leases are based on the available animal unit months for each parcel, as determined by the department of Agriculture. The optimum number of animals on the pasture makes efficient use of the forage without waste, but still leaves enough forage to allow quick and complete recovery. In 2019, Manitoba brought in changes to rental rates, including developing a linkage between the rental rate and cattle markets. Through this amendment, Manitoba is proposing changes to determine the forage capacity or the animal unit months of an ACL parcel at the outset of a lease or renewable permit. This is an incentive for leaseholders to increase productivity through management and investment without a corresponding increase in rent; the Animal Unit Month will not change during the lease term.

Current State

The annual rent of fee for an agricultural forage lease or permit is determined by formula.

Annual Rent = A x B x 3.5%, where:

A = is the average price of beef published by Canfax

B = is the forage capacity of the land or number of Animal Unit Months that the land is capable of producing in an average year.

Proposed Enhancement

Forage capacity is the number of Animal Unit Months that the land is capable of producing.

The description of B in the formula is the forage capacity of the land in an average year at the time the lease or permit is issued or renewed. The forage capacity of the land is determined at the time the lease or permit is issued or, in the case of a legacy lease, renewed. The forage capacity of the land established at the outset of the lease will remain in place should a lease qualify for a fiveyear extension.

Animal Unit Month

The amount of forage required by one animal unit (AU) for one month is called an Animal Unit Month (AUM). One animal unit is defined as a 1,000 lb. (450 kg) beef cow with or without a nursing calf with a daily intake requirement of 26 lb. (11.8 kg) of dry matter forage. Therefore, one AUM is equal to 780 lbs (355 kg) of dry matter forage intake (30 days X daily forage requirement).

Example: a parcel capable of producing enough forage for 40 AUMs could sustain 10, 1,000 lb beef cows for 4 months (10 cows x 4 months = 40 AUMs). Generally, cows are larger than this and one cow may account for greater than one AUM, possibly in the 1.3 AUMs per cow range. In this case, the same parcel may only support seven or eight cows for the same period.

More information on stocking rates and AUMs is available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livesto ck/sheep/how-to-determine-stockingrates-for-manitoba-pastures.html.

Expanding Eligibility

Since 2017, Manitoba has increased efforts toward truth and reconciliation and enabled legislation to encourage and allow interested Indigenous groups to hold agricultural Crown lands leases and permits. Regulatory change in 2019 expanded eligibility to First Nation bands to hold a lease or renewable permit for the first time. Additionally, First Nations have received more frequent notices for ACL available for Treaty Land Entitlement selection, as leases are now being circulated prior to reallocation through the auction process. Manitoba is proposing to further expand eligibility for holding an ACL lease or permit to groups representing First Nations, Metis, and other Indigenous communities.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The following entities are eligible to hold an agricultural lease or permit:

- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

- a Partnership made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

- a First Nations band

- a forage cooperative made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

- a Hutterite colony or a corporation owned by a Hutterite colony or similar organization

- a corporation made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

The amendment proposes to enhance the eligibility of a band to include any non-profit organization that represent the interests of one or more bands, individuals of Metis decent, or holders of Aboriginal or Treaty rights. This amendment intends to enable participation of not-for-profit partnerships between First Nations, Metis, and other Indigenous organizations in the Agricultural Crown Lands Program and for these partnerships to be eligible to hold an agricultural Crown land lease or permit.

Extending a Lease

Currently, all agricultural Crown land forage leases issued after 2019 have a 15-year term in Manitoba. However, there is a significant discrepancy in the ability to renew leases issued before October 2019, and forage leases issued by auction since October 2019. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that would allow new system leases the option to extend the term of a lease from 15 years to 20 years for leaseholders that practice good land management.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The Regulation allows for a forage lease issued before October 2019 to be renewed indefinitely with a term of up to 15 years.

Conversely, there is no ability to renew a forage lease issued after October 1, 2019. These leases were initially allocated by public auction, and at the end of the 15-year term, the lease returns to public auction.

Manitoba is proposing to allow a five-year extension on a 15-year lease term for qualifying leases issued after October 2019. Leaseholders that complete and implement a forage management plan for at least the last five years of the 15year lease term, are eligible for a five year extension, thus making the lease term up to 20 years.

A forage management plan outlines practices that support sustainable management of forage leases and improved forage productivity. The plan must be developed and approved by a professional agrologist. Costs associated with plan development would be the responsibility of the leaseholder. These plans are not mandatory, however without one, the lease term cannot exceed 15 years.

Only one extension period is available. At the end of the lease term, the land will be put to auction and reallocated. The outgoing leaseholder is eligible to bid on the lease and, if successful, would be allocated a new 15-year lease with a possible five-year extension.

There are no proposed changes to the ability to renew a forage lease issued before October 2019 (legacy lease).

Transferring a Lease

Prior to 2019, leaseholders had the ability to transfer an ACL lease or renewable permit to any eligible third party as part of a farm sale. In 2019, amendments limited transfers to immediate family members only. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that would allow new system leases to be transferred to new leaseholders within the 15-year term.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

Leases or permits issued under the Regulation may be transferred to family members or corporate entities or partnerships controlled by family members, only.

In instances where a leaseholder has an ownership interest in a partnership or corporation, the leaseholder can transfer their ownership interest to another ownership interest (non-family) in the same partnership or corporation.

For either purposes, a share transfer or transfer of a partnership interest are deemed to be a transfer of the lease.

The transfer provision will no longer be limited to family. The proposed amendment will allow unlimited transfers of new system forage lease or renewable permits to any eligible lessee for the remainder of the lease term.

The eligible person or entity taking over a new system lease, or to whom it is transferred, is not issued a new 15-year lease. The new leaseholder will be limited to the remainder of the original lease period. A five-year extension is available if a forage management plan was completed and followed by the previous leaseholder, the succeeding leaseholder, or a combination of the two.

Legacy leases issued before October 1, 2019 can only be transferred within families, or to a partnership or corporation where each owner of the partnership or corporation is a family member.

Since 2019, there is a significant distinction in the term lengths and ability to renew different types of leases.

Legacy lease – a lease originally issued prior to October 2019. This type of lease is in place until age 65, at which time it has an unlimited ability for renewal. At age 65, the leaseholder can apply to renew their lease for a further 15 years.

New system lease - forage leases issued after October 2019. This type of lease has been allocated through auction and cannot be renewed.

Nominating a New Leaseholder

Prior to 2019, a ‘unit transfer’ of leases allowed leaseholders to transfer leases together with deeded farmland, thereby increasing the value of the total operation. However, this reduced access to ACL by new/young farmers trying to establish and grow farming operations. In 2019, in an effort to increase lands available to young producers, the ‘unit transfer’ was removed. Since then, producers and ranchers have indicated that losing the unit transfer provision severely reduced the sale value of their operations, and requested it be re-instated. Manitoba needs to balance this with the goals of ensuring access to land for young producers, while respecting and adhering to agreements made by government to Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE), First Nations and Indigenous peoples. Manitoba proposes allowing legacy leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder, provided the land is not selected through the TLE process, and does not impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The Regulation allows for a forage lease issued before October 2019 (legacy lease) to be renewed indefinitely, with a term of up to 15 years.

Legacy leases are transferrable to family members, or to partnerships or corporations owned by family members. In these cases, the lease retains all of the legacy lease features including renewable 15-year lease terms at age 65, and the ability to transfer to a family member, or to partnerships or corporations owned by family members.

The only mechanism for a non-family member to access ACL parcels currently held by a legacy lease holder, is for the legacy lease to be surrendered or cancelled, and have the

For forage leases issued prior to October 2019, leaseholders can continue the practice of transferring a legacy lease to a family member, who would retain all legacy lease provisions including renewable 15year terms at age 65.

A new provision will allow legacy leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder. This provision could be used to link land or farm sales to Crown land leases integral to the farm’s operation; however a land sale will not be required. The nominee can be anyone eligible to hold a lease, and must be in good standing. To be eligible to apply for the nomination process, the leaseholder must not have contravened the terms of the lease at any time, including paying late, subletting, or having allowed the condition of the forage to decline. The legacy lease would be terminated and the new leaseholder would be issued a new system lease with a term up to 15 years. However, the land must go through a review process to ensure it is eligible for this type of transfer.

Under the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework Agreement, government has a legal duty to offer unencumbered Crown lands for TLE selection. Under the agreement, any TLE First Nations must be notified of available land in their identified Community Interest Zone. The TLE First Nation is given time to assess and select Crown lands for incorporation into their Reserve holdings if desired. Allowing these legacy leases to be transferred to an eligible third party, without first offering the lands to TLE First Nations for selection is non-compliant with our Treaty obligations. In addition, impacted First Nations and Indigenous communities also need to be provided the opportunity to identify if the new lease will impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

new lease holder acquire the lease through auction.

A process to transfer unselected agricultural Crown lands that is compliant with Treaty obligations and Aboriginal and Treaty rights has been developed for the new nomination process. Under the proposed amendment, legacy leaseholders can apply for the ability to nominate the next leaseholder for a newsystem lease. Once a legacy leaseholder makes an application to nominate the next leaseholder, government circulates the parcel to impacted communities and follows the TLE Framework Agreement process to notify eligible First Nations that Crown land is available for selection or allocation. The eligible TLE First Nation has up to six months in total to select the land for TLE, or not. If the land is selected, the lease is immediately terminated and the land begins the process of reverting to Reserve status. If the lands are not selected, and no impacts to Aboriginal and Treaty rights are indicated, the department can provide a nomination certificate that provides the leaseholder with two years to nominate the next leaseholder.

For clarity, outgoing leaseholders that apply for a nomination certificate cannot withdraw their application once the TLE process is initiated. Outgoing leaseholders and prospective buyers involved in land transactions linked to ACL and possible nominees should fully understand potential outcomes of the TLE process, and the impact they may have on prospective transactions.

Figure 1: Proposed options for transferring or nominating the next leaseholder of a legacy lease or lease issued before October 2019.

Figure 2: First Nations Reserves in Agro-Manitoba and current Community Interest Zones reserved on behalf of 21 Entitlement First Nations as per the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement and the Notice Area for the Peguis Treaty Entitlement Agreement.

Source:

https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/datasets/manitoba::co mmunity-interest-zones-inmanitoba/explore?location=54.359521%2C94.027567%2C5.48

Valuing Improvements

During the period a lease is in effect, lessees often construct improvements on the land, such as fences, shelters for cattle, constructed water sources, troughs, etc. This creates an ‘unknown’ for bidders at the lease auction – a winning bidder may be required to compensate an outgoing leaseholder without knowing in advance what the amount of compensation will be. The current negotiation and arbitration process for value disputes has resulted in a number of complaints to the department of Agriculture. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that provides an assessed value at the time of auction to better inform the potential bidders.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

Outgoing leaseholders can be compensated by the incoming leaseholder for improvements made to the agricultural Crown lands provided the land is released within two years. The outgoing leaseholder can also remove chattel improvements, such as fences, or can forego compensation for improvements.

Under the current regulation, the process for determining this value is negotiated between the incoming and outgoing leaseholders. If they fail to agree on an amount, The Arbitration Act guides compensation.

To encourage investment and compensate those leaseholders for making productivity improvements like cross-fencing, water supply development, etc., the ability for the outgoing leaseholder to be compensated for any identified improvements by the incoming leaseholder will continue. However, the proposed method to determine the value of the improvements will change.

In the last year of their lease, outgoing leaseholders that choose to be compensated for improvements must obtain an appraisal, from an accredited appraiser, which indicates the value of the eligible improvements. The cost of the appraisal is their responsibility. The outgoing leaseholder cannot appeal the appraisal but can obtain a second appraisal if they disagree with the initial valuation.

The appraised value is posted at the time of the auction. If the lease is reallocated within two years of expiry, the successful bidder must pay the outgoing leaseholder the posted amount. If reallocation takes more than two years, compensation from the incoming leaseholder is not required and there is no compensation for improvements to the outgoing leaseholder.

Investing in Productivity

The proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation amendment also formalizes Manitoba’s commitment to provide a temporary rent reduction. In the fall of 2022, Manitoba committed to implementing a temporary rent reduction over three years for forage lease and renewable hay and grazing permits on agricultural Crown lands. Current leaseholders have already received the benefit of the first year’s rent reduction of 50 per cent, with future reductions formalized at 33 per cent in 2024 and 15 per cent in 2025. Forage leaseholders do not need to apply for the support, the reduction is automatically applied to each year’s bill.

In addition to regulatory changes to support the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, Manitoba Agriculture is exploring opportunities to further enhance ACL productivity. As such, the department is considering increasing extension services to forage leaseholders, and offering cost-shared programs aimed at improving agricultural Crown land productivity. For more information, please see https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land.

Engagement and Consultation

We want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and suggestions to help refine Manitoba’s proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation amendment under The Crown Lands Act. Comments can be provided through the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at http://reg.gov.mb.ca/home.

Proposed Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Lease Transfer

Process For Legacy Leases and 15-Year New-System Leases

Current ACL Lease System: Limited Transfer Rights

LEGACY LEASES (ISSUED PRIOR TO 2019)

NEW SYSTEM LEASES (ISSUED AFTER 2019)

Proposed ACL Lease System: Expanded Transfer Rights

“Legacy Lease” Transfer Process with TLE Notification

NOTE: No compensation to outgoing leaseholder for leasehold improvements! Notification letter to indicate next availability of land is 15 years

Indefinite renewals

Farm makes decision to exit

Farm makes application to request “right to nominate next leaseholder”

Land parcel is located within a TLE CIZ

AGR notifies eligible FNs of available land for selection

FN indicates interest

60 days

TLE assessment process begins

60 days

FN selects land

120 days

ACL lease is terminated. Addition-toReserve process begins.

120 days

AGR provides certification for leaseholder to nominate the next leaseholder for a new-system lease within 2 years