We have actually done a pilot project in Manitoba in the RM of Blanchard, where for three years we piloted the alternative land use services program. The cost of the program, I believe, was $1.8 million for the three years. It's believed that an ALUS program--alternative land use services--for all of Manitoba could be implemented for about $20 million per year. We think that would be an excellent way to build a program that works with farmers. I think it is a good idea to try to help agriculture adopt these practices, rather than impose regulations on them without their cooperation.
In the case of the environmental farm program, which was a fairly modest public investment, producers are reaping the benefits. I know on my own farm I went to a single-pass seeding and fertilizing operation, and four years ago I was given 30% of the capital cost assistance for the equipment I needed to convert. Now every year I am doing this over and over again, because it makes sense to do it. I have the equipment, which was initially a barrier for producers. Once you have that equipment, when a good idea is adopted, producers will tend to continue. For a modest public investment, you can have many years of public benefit. I think it can work.