Success in a pathfinding role can be measured in many ways. One way is when an idea is adopted and used by others. As long as there is a meaningful conclusion, the end result, not ownership, should take precedence. Seed investment in pathfinding can push traditional boundaries. This is what adaptation and innovation is all about.
Catalyst: someone or something that brings about change.
The Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC) acts as a catalyst to stimulate industry and government activity where gaps are identified.
BrettYoung Seeds
After approximately eight years of research and development, BrettYoung Seeds applied to the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC) in 2007 for funding to proceed with the pre-commercialization of its BioBoost line of seed inoculants.
BrettYoung’s BioBoost Liquid was recently granted registration by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for use on canola in western Canada. BioBoost Liquid contains a patented strain of a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Registration trial data indicates an average seven per cent yield improvement compared to the untreated check.
To learn more visit http://www.brettyoung.ca/Western_Canada/News/index.php. Or read the story, Building better crops, in the winter 2010 issue of the MRAC ezine.
Pulp & Paper Industry
In 1998 a Manitoba-based company approached MRAC requesting funds for a feasibility study that would look into building a non-wood pulp and paper mill in the province. The company, which was later named Prairie Pulp and Paper Inc., was hoping to utilize the millions of tonnes of agricultural fibre discarded by farmers annually to produce pulp and paper. MRAC saw this as an opportunity to recycle agricultural waste and to create a new, sustainable industry in Manitoba.
In 2004 MRAC approved a subsequent phase of the project which involved developing a commercial-grade, eco-paper prototype composed exclusively of Manitoba ag-fibre.
And in June 2010 the Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a $400,000 investment in Manitoba’s pulp and paper industry to support research and development of high quality, eco-friendly paper made from agricultural crop byproducts.
MRAC is pleased to have acted as a catalyst in this initiative. Click here to read the Canada Manitoba news release.
Environmental Farm Planning
Since the 1990s the concept of environmental farm planning (EFP) has been seen as a potential tool to manage environmental risks on the farm. MRAC recognized the importance of EFPs and in 2003 hired a consultant to prepare a Manitoba EFP template and delivery plan. This included reviewing and assessing EFPs from other jurisdictions and holding focus groups with producers.
Based on the results, an interim agency was established to deliver the EFP program in Manitoba and was managed by a producer-dominated board of directors. This independent operating agency became known as the Farm Stewardship Association of Manitoba (FSAM). FSAM delivered the EFP program in Manitoba for five years under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). During this time FSAM was able to help approximately 6,000 producers develop environmental farm plans in the province.
FSAM’s work wrapped up in 2009 but the successful EFP program continues with MAFRI taking the reins. MRAC responded to an industry need and influenced government to provide programming and support in this area. MRAC is pleased to have acted as a catalyst in this initiative.
Aquaculture & Agriculture
A few years ago MRAC identified a new gap - the Prairie aquaculture industry. Since that time MRAC has taken several steps to stimulate industry and government activity in this area.
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