MLA Jeff Bereza Joins SARL Board to Advocate for Agriculture and Rural Communities
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, PC Critic for Agriculture, was elected to the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) board at its agricultural summit that took place on Jan. 3 to 5 in Des Moines, Iowa.
“This is the only meeting in North America that brings together state and provincial legislators who are passionate about promoting agriculture and protecting the rural way of life,” said Bereza. “Everyone who attends shares an interest in working together to solve problems and create new partnerships on both sides of the border.”
SARL is represented by leaders from 50 U.S. states as well as eight Canadian provinces. Bereza, who learned about the organization at the Midwestern Legislative Conference last summer in Columbus, Ohio, recognized its value and knew he wanted to be involved.
“I realized very quickly that this was a group of like-minded people who were bringing forward issues that are non-partisan,” he said.
Various Canadian agriculture groups also participated in the summit, including the Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Canola Growers, BASF, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Beef, and Keystone Agricultural Producers. Throughout the event, the common theme among participants was the importance of feeding the world.
“Everyone I spoke to, whether Canadian or American, agreed that we have much in common regardless of our borders,” Bereza said, adding that a special highlight of the event was the O Canada Luncheon hosted by Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis. “We had a really strong Canadian contingent at the summit, and we were very proud to sing ‘O Canada’ for our U.S. counterparts.”
Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition, said ensuring Manitoba has a strong voice at SARL is a key priority for the Progressive Conservative Caucus, especially as Bereza steps into the role previously held by former Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson.
“Manitoba farmers continue to have a passionate advocate addressing their challenges and opportunities on the North American stage,” said Ewasko. “Leaders like Ralph Eichler and Derek Johnson paved the way, and now Jeff Bereza’s election to the SARL board continues this proud tradition of diplomacy. His leadership reinforces our commitment to advancing policies that strengthen rural economies, support innovation in agriculture, and secures North America’s food supply.”
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca