Governments of Canada and Manitoba announce lower AgriInsurance premiums making life more affordable for producers
News release
January 21, 2026 – Brandon, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Manitoba have launched a new pilot program that rewards farmers for adopting sustainable management practices with lower premiums as part of the 2026 AgriInsurance program, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
The 2026 AgriInsurance program, administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), features updated crop insurance dollar values and will provide Manitoba farmers with predictable coverage for crop production and quality losses caused by natural perils, helping them manage risk and plan confidently for the upcoming growing season.
Total coverage for 2026 is expected to reach $4.3 billion, and farmers will benefit from lower premium rates for most insurable crops. For annual crops, the average premium for producers will be $11.46 per acre in 2026, compared to $13.01 per acre in 2025.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support sustainability, MASC is piloting the Forage Advantage incentive, offering a 15% discount on Forage Establishment Insurance premiums for perennial forage crops grown on designated land. Additional discounts may apply to Basic or Select Hay Insurance or Forage Seed Insurance once the forage crop enters production the following year. The 2026 program also includes new coverage for meadow fescue grown for seed.
Also for the 2026 crop year, the list of damaging species will be expanding as part of the Wildlife Damage Compensation program. This change will lead to compensation for crop damage caused by blackbirds and raccoons, and livestock injury or death caused by vultures, eagles, hawks, ravens, and other corvidae species.
AgriInsurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
Quotes
“AgriInsurance is a vital tool for Manitoba producers, helping them manage risk and stay resilient in the face of unpredictable weather and other challenges. By working closely with the Province of Manitoba, we’re ensuring farmers have the support they need to protect their operations as they adapt to changing conditions and can continue growing the high-quality food Canadians rely on.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Manitoba farmers continue to face challenges from unpredictable weather and global market volatility. AgriInsurance helps protect their investments and provides a foundation for long-term success. We’re also proud to introduce enhancements that reward sustainable practices and expand coverage to meet farmers’ evolving needs.”
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
Quick facts
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The AgriInsurance program is designed to provide predictable protection for producers against natural perils such as drought, excess moisture, or other extreme weather events.
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Manitoba maintains a high level of participation, with over 90% of annual crop acres and more than 7,300 farms enrolled in the program.
Associated links
Contacts
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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