Winnipeg, Manitoba - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are introducing a new pilot program that helps farmers adopt sustainable practices while saving money. Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the Forage Advantage pilot today.
Starting in the 2026 crop year, Manitoba farmers who plant perennial forage crops on marginal land will receive a 15% discount on Forage Establishment Insurance premiums. Once the forage is in production the following year, farmers can also qualify for discounts on Basic or Select Hay Insurance or Forage Seed Insurance through the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) AgriInsurance program. These programs protect against yield losses caused by natural hazards like drought, excess moisture, and disease.
Planting forage on marginal land benefits both farmers and the environment. It improves soil fertility, enhances water filtration, reduces weeds and disease, and increases carbon sequestration. Forage crops also support pollinators and biodiversity, while helping farms become more resilient to climate change.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba have also increased funding for the Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program by $500,000. Delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, SAM helps farmers adopt innovative practices in cropland, livestock, and water management-such as planting perennial cover on sensitive lands. These measures complement the Forage Advantage pilot and strengthen farm resilience.
The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.
