Governments of Canada and Manitoba launch pilot to reward sustainable farming
News release
Farmers can save on crop insurance by planting perennial forages
November 13, 2025 – 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.
Quotes
“The Forage Advantage pilot reflects our governments’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture. 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.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“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. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, this program helps farmers protect their land while maintaining productive and resilient operations.”
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
“By increasing funding for the SAM program, we are helping even more Manitoba farmers adopt sustainable practices. This additional investment reinforces our commitment to growing a strong and environmentally responsible agriculture sector in the province."
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
Quick facts
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The pilot is available for the 2026 crop year and applies to land classified as marginal—areas that struggle to produce annual crops due to issues like poor soil, salinity, erosion, or excess moisture.
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Farmers who choose Forage Establishment Insurance and plant forage on these acres will automatically receive the premium discount.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Jennica Klassen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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