No More Hogwash: Prudent Planning, Not Political Posturing

Eight years into the NDP's majority government, 5-7 million hogs and 8 million tonnes of spilled manure later and now they call for a review of the industry's sustainability? The hog industry does not exist in a vacuum, so Greens are calling for a complete review of the sustainability of conventional agricultural. Greens in the Legislature would put the horse of precaution and common sense ahead of the manure-seeping cart and carefully consider any and all impacts of industrial expansion with a thorough investigation of alternative means of production. A Green agriculture review would not assume any expansion to be prudent without first studying its adverse economic, ecological, and social impacts. The precautionary principle would prevail.

The rate of growth in the hog industry and reliance on a universal 'solution' to the farm crisis is a sign of a government without a vision for rural sustainability. Greens would diversify and localize the economy, promoting niche marketing, organics and a Made in Manitoba label on food.

Accountability has also gone out the window. Witness Rivers councillor Ruth Pryzner's freedom of information request - the response: 13.5 years to release the information. Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability?

The irony is that once the CEC is completed, what will be found is that the economics of large hog production does not benefit Manitoban farmers. Andrew Basham, leader of the Green Party of Manitoba notes, “There has been a seven fold increase in the cost of operations to farmers over the last 35 years while income has declined. Manitoba needs to reorient agriculture to its roots: farmers producing food for the local community and getting a fair price.”

Green Party of Manitoba Food Security and Safety advocate and organic farmer Kate Storey commented on the greater efficiency of naturally-raised hogs in her presentation to the CEC: “A naturally-raised hog gets a $50 to $100 premium over factory fed pork. What this means is that only around 200 naturally-raised hogs are needed to make profits comparable to the 2000 hog barn.” In understanding this, the GPM will work with local farmers to transition to smaller operations requiring fewer inputs, assuring long-term viability. We would ban sow crates and use the straw bedding, open-barn models already standard in Europe, recognizing hogs' social nature and keeping sows connected to their offspring.

Greens would close ecological loops by investment in the capture of methane as a fuel source, and thus also reducing its effects as a high-impact greenhouse gas.

We will also work to support the transition to waterless sanitation, helping farmers reduce water use, significantly decrease water contamination, and enabling farmers to apply nutrient rich compost to their fields. This shift would prevent further runoff from semi-liquid manure into our water table, and be part of the strategy to rehabilitate and protect Lake Winnipeg.

Natural systems operate in balance. Any large input of waste or pollution destabilizes these systems and can seriously damage ecological integrity, the basis of a viable economy now and for the coming generations. The Green Party of Manitoba will work with local farmers to keep their farms healthy and prosperous and the province's waterways clean. Alain Landry, candidate for St. Boniface observes, “Manitobans realize that safe, clean water is a priority over which they are not willing to compromise. Hopefully the NDP-PC bloc will drop the idea of a massive abattoir in St. Boniface.” Landry adds: “As a representative for the well-being of my life-long home of St. Boniface, I can safely say that my community does not wish to see toxic pollution increase, but rather be reduced zero.” The Greens will ensure that this message is heard in the Legislature.

Finally, the GPM will defend farm and slaughterhouse labourers. Labourers working in intensive livestock operations are still not covered for worker's compensation under the labour laws as the supposedly labour-friendly NDP has failed to discern the difference between traditional small farms and large-scale industrial farming. The industry's rapid expansion has overshadowed the social costs associated with high-turnover rates, lowpaying, dangerous jobs, and the economic and human costs associated with some of the highest injury rates in industry.

Manitoba is blessed with an abundance of fresh air, clean water and intricate ecosystems. We are home to a diverse, creative and practical populace. The Green Party wants to build on that foundation, creating a vibrant, sustainable economy and a province we can all feel proud to call our home.