The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced the introduction of a new program that aims to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and save money.
Starting in the 2026 crop year, Manitoba farmers who plant perennial forage crops on marginal land will receive a 15 per cent discount on Forage Establishment Insurance (FEI) 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.
“The Forage Advantage pilot reflects our governments’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture,” said Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald. “By encouraging farmers to establish perennial forage on marginal land, we’re supporting practices that improve soil health, enhance water management and increase biodiversity, all of which strengthen farmland resilience against climate change.”
Planting forage on marginal land benefits both farmers and the environment. It improves soil fertility, enhances water filtration, increases carbon sequestration and reduces weeds and disease. Forage crops also support pollinators and biodiversity, while helping farms become more resilient to climate change.
The pilot applies to land classified as marginal, meaning areas that struggle to produce annual crops due to issues like poor soil, salinity, erosion or excess moisture. Farmers who choose FEI and plant forage on these acres will automatically receive the premium discount.
“The Forage Advantage pilot supports the Manitoba government’s mandate to foster innovation and research in the agricultural sector, including opportunities to expand regenerative agriculture,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, this program helps farmers protect their land while maintaining productive and resilient operations.”
Manitoba has also increased funding for the Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program by $500,000. Delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), 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.
“By increasing the SAM program’s funding, we are helping more Manitoba farmers adopt sustainable practices,” said Kostyshyn. “This additional investment reinforces our commitment to growing a strong and environmentally responsible agriculture sector in the province.”
The Sustainable CAP is a five-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.
For more details on the Forage Advantage pilot and crop insurance programs, visit masc.mb.ca.
