The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is pleased to announce that the expansion phase of the Prairie Watershed On-Farm Climate Action Project: “Deploying Real, Measurable, and Practical Climate Solutions for the Canadian Prairies” has been approved to receive up to $40,012,707 over the next three years under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. This expansion phase will be delivered exclusively within Manitoba.
The first phase of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP), launched in 2022, spanned Manitoba and Saskatchewan and supported 4,100 producers and landowners, administering over $69 million. It focussed on increasing the uptake and awareness of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) and was also funded by the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. The eligible BMPs under the PWCP are grouped into three key categories: rotational grazing, nitrogen management, and cover cropping. These practices will remain integral to the program’s efforts in the next three years.
"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 down by watershed district staff, and the relationships they have with local communities. We look forward to continued partnership with watershed districts to support land management practices that protect our watersheds.” - Lynda Nicol, executive director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds
The expansion phase of the project will run until March 31, 2028, with MAW continuing as the lead organization managing the PWCP in Manitoba. Manitoba’s Watershed Districts will continue to serve as delivery agents for the program, working directly with producers to implement practical climate solutions.
"We couldn’t be happier with the success of the PWCP and the partnership MAW has had with the watershed districts delivering the program since 2022. We look forward to three more years of funding to support landowners in making better decisions for their farm, which in turn supports the health of our provincial watersheds.” - Garry Wasylowski, board chair, Manitoba Association of Watersheds.
Updated program information is currently being prepared and will be shared with delivery agents soon.
Read the official news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada here.
For more information about PWCP please visit https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie-watershed-climate-program or contact your local Manitoba Watershed District.