Business Details
42 Years
experience
Manitoba's Unified Farm Policy Voice
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has served as Manitoba's unified voice for farmers since its founding in 1984. With over 4,600 farmer members and 20 commodity group members, we advocate for agricultural interests through collaboration with governments, industry stakeholders, and decision-makers. Our grassroots-driven policy development ensures member priorities shape our advocacy on critical issues like trade, environmental regulations, and rural infrastructure. Backed by decades of experience, our team provides evidence-based solutions to challenges facing Manitoba agriculture, including tariff impacts, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices.We maintain transparency through regular communications, annual district meetings, and policy submissions that reflect Manitoba producers' needs. Our commitment to farmer wellness, environmental stewardship, and market access demonstrates our dedication to a profitable, sustainable future for Manitoba agriculture.
Services
Policy Advocacy
Trade Negotiations
Environmental Programs
Farmer Wellness
Regulatory Consultation
District Meetings
Policy Submissions
Market Access
Agricultural Research
Stakeholder Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience advocating for Manitoba farmers
- Our policy positions originate from grassroots input across 12 districts
- We collaborate directly with provincial and federal decision-makers
- We provide evidence-based solutions to agricultural policy challenges
- Our advocacy protects Manitoba's $4.53 billion annual agri-food exports
What people say
Effective trade advocacy
Responsive policy team
Strong grassroots representation
Timely communications
Professional leadership
Services
Policy Advocacy
KAP develops member-driven policy positions through grassroots consultation across Manitoba's 12 agricultural districts. Our advocacy focuses on critical issues like trade tariffs, environmental regulations, and rural infrastructure. We engage directly with provincial and federal governments to protect Manitoba's $4.53 billion agri-food export market.
Environmental Programs
We administer Manitoba's Environmental Farm Plan program, helping farmers identify environmental risks and implement beneficial management practices. Our team provides guidance on federal-provincial environmental linkages and cost-shared agri-environmental initiatives to support sustainable farming operations.
Farmer Wellness
KAP partners with Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services to deliver confidential mental health counseling for farmers. Our wellness programs address industry-specific stressors through professional agricultural counselors, providing six free sessions annually for farm families.
Trade Negotiations
We actively monitor and respond to international trade developments affecting Manitoba agriculture. Our efforts include advocating against U.S. tariffs, participating in CUSMA consultations, and addressing supply chain challenges at western Canadian ports and railways.
Regulatory Consultation
KAP provides detailed policy submissions on regulatory changes impacting Manitoba farmers. Our team analyzes proposed legislation like seed regulations, pesticide fees, and building codes, ensuring agricultural interests are represented in provincial and federal decision-making processes.
People
Colin Hornby
General Manager
Colin Hornby leads KAP's strategic direction with extensive agricultural policy experience. He oversees advocacy efforts and stakeholder relations, ensuring Manitoba farmers' voices shape provincial and federal agricultural policies.
Neil Van Overloop
Policy Manager
Neil Van Overloop specializes in agricultural policy analysis and development. He represents Manitoba farmers' interests in regulatory consultations and provides expert guidance on trade, environmental, and production issues.
Shona Fraser
Membership Services
Shona Fraser manages KAP's member engagement initiatives. She coordinates district meetings and ensures farmers have access to policy resources and advocacy tools to support their operations.
Lisha Hassanali
Communications Director
Lisha Hassanali leads KAP's media relations and public outreach. She ensures timely communication of policy updates, advocacy efforts, and agricultural news to members and stakeholders across Manitoba.
Jill Verwey
President
Jill Verwey serves as KAP's elected president, representing Manitoba farmers' interests. She leads the board of directors and ensures grassroots policy priorities guide the organization's advocacy efforts.
Questions
What does Keystone Agricultural Producers do?
KAP advocates for Manitoba farmers on provincial and federal policy issues including trade, environmental regulations, and rural infrastructure through grassroots-driven initiatives.
How can Manitoba farmers get involved with KAP?
Farmers can join as members, participate in district meetings, or contribute to policy development through KAP's grassroots consultation processes across Manitoba's 12 agricultural districts.
What trade issues is KAP currently addressing?
KAP actively monitors U.S. tariffs, CUSMA negotiations, and port efficiency challenges affecting Manitoba's $4.53 billion annual agri-food exports to international markets.
Does KAP provide direct financial assistance to farmers?
KAP focuses on policy advocacy rather than direct financial aid, though we advocate for government programs addressing issues like disaster assistance and market access challenges.
How does KAP develop its policy positions?
Our policy positions originate from member input through annual district meetings and consultations, ensuring Manitoba farmers directly shape our advocacy priorities.
What environmental programs does KAP support?
KAP administers Manitoba's Environmental Farm Plan program and advocates for cost-shared initiatives promoting sustainable practices like cover cropping and water management.
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