Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) has released its own carbon pricing policy, in an effort to ensure the province's beef producers are recognized for their work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Manitoba’s beef producers are key stewards the province’s natural capital, long seen as protectors of the environment, including grasslands, wetlands, and species at risk and their habitats,” said MBP President Ben E. Fox. “Every effort needs to be made to protect the sustainability of Manitoba’s beef production, both economically and environmentally if the province is to realize the objectives of reducing our carbon output.”

The policy includes six recommendations as MBP works to see that beef production remains profitable and sustainable as the provincial government continues to develop its Manitoba climate and green plan.

“In Manitoba cattle are raised largely on forages, pastures and grasslands," said Fox. "It is these pastures and grasslands that hold the key to the carbon sequestration needed as part of the solution, as well as helping to preserve valuable ecosystems and manage our water resources. A profitable beef industry in Manitoba is essential to protecting grasslands and pastures from encroachment as well as to achieving other environmental and conservation objectives.”

Among the recommendations included policy, Manitoba Beef Producers would like to see on-farm agricultural emissions exempt from the province's carbon pricing plan. Other recommendations include:
- recognizing agriculture for the GHG reduction benefits it provides
- investing in research to further reduce GHG emissions through improved forage varieties and grazing strategies
- investing in initiatives and tools to enhance producer resilience related to climate change and severe weather events
- ensuring trade competitiveness is maintained by aligning implementation of any additional costs and credits with those of our major trading partners
- enacting policies to encourage that agricultural lands remain in (or are returned to) pasture and forage production and grasslands, thereby supporting Manitoba’s cattle industry

“A profitable beef industry in Manitoba is essential to protecting grasslands and pastures from encroaching pressures as well as to achieving other environmental and conservation objectives,” Fox said.