Election results map shows sharp divide between "agro-Manitoba" and the City of Winnipeg (courtesy Elections Manitoba website.)

The urban-rural divide remains a major concern for Manitoba's agriculture sector.

A glance at the the results in the provincial election shows that gap is not shrinking.

"It's something that is an issue for all of agriculture. We have to communicate to urban Manitobans how important our industry is to them and their pocketbook, as well as the active measures that we're taking to preserve the environment and some of the environmental benefits that the industry already deliveres," says Cam Dahl, General Manager of the Manitoba Beef Producers, adding that "a well-managed pasture is one of the most bio-diverse places in the province."

"These are things that people really don't know in downtown Winnipeg, and they need to. That's something that we're really going to continue to work on with other farm groups," he says.

While congratulating the NDP on winning the election, Dahl says MBP has concerns about the party's approach to agricultural policy.

"Especially around issues like the environment and ensuring that environmental measures are science-based," he explains. "We have some issues we can work on and we will. Hopefully we can meet with the new minister as soon as possible after the cabinet is re-constituted."

MBP President Jay Fox says there are a number of key issues, such as flood compensation, watershed management and TB eradication, that need immediate attention.

"I know that there are producers making decisions today on the future of their farms. We hope to meet with the Premier and his re-constituted Cabinet as quickly as possible to iron out critical policy details."

Fox echoes Dahl in saying they are concerned about the Selinger government's tendency to base environmental and health regulations on perception of public opinion, rather than on sound science. For example, MBP has grave concerns about Bill 46, the "Save Lake Winnipeg Act", which prohibits Manitoba’s livestock industry from expanding.

"We hope to be able to work with the government to shift away from the use of regulations to more effective incentive-based programs that are founded on scientific research and consultations with producers," says Fox.