Public trust was the theme of the 12th Annual Agriculture Awareness Day hosted Tuesday at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler highlighted the importance of trust in the food system by focusing on the connections between consumers and farmers.

“Manitoba’s farmers understand the significant responsibility and expectations placed on them to grow crops and raise livestock in a way that is responsible, ethical and sustainable,” said Eichler.  “Farmers are a trusted source of information about these issues and many people want to learn more.  Agriculture Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to encourage open conversation between farmers, consumers and the thousands of other Manitobans who are connected to our agriculture industry.”

Representatives from all provincial parties were invited to speak at Tuesday's event, in addition to representatives from Manitoba Egg Farmers and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP).

MBP President Ben Fox

“Manitoba’s beef producers are proud of our people, proud of our practices and proud of our product,” said MBP President Ben Fox.  “We recognize that the public has questions about beef production and we welcome those questions.  Our industry has a terrific story to tell and days like Agriculture Awareness Day are a great opportunity for us to share that story.”

In 2005, a unanimous all-party resolution was passed by the legislative assembly to create an annual Agriculture Awareness Day to promote greater awareness of the contributions agriculture makes to this province and the important role the agriculture industry plays as a key driver of the Manitoba economy.  In 2014, The Farm and Food Awareness Act formalized this recognition in legislation, making Agriculture Awareness Day the third Tuesday in March.

Manitoba Egg Farmers' Brenda Bazylewski discusses transparency in the egg industry