Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[ Intro to Crow Rate issue from original discussion papersource#1, "Why our livestock industry is growing and changing" p.1 ]Federal government support programs for the grain sector have been reduced, in part because of international trade agreements. Rail freight subsidies were removed when the Western Grain Transportation Act (the Crow rate subsidy) was terminated, making it much less economical to export feed grain from Manitoba.
These changes have taken $100 million out of the annual income of Manitoba farmers. As a result, some of the traditional grain-producing areas are looking for new ways to generate the jobs and economic opportunity needed to keep their communities alive. Many see livestock production as the answer to this formidable challenge.
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Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References