Winnipeg (Rural Roots Canada) – The federal and Manitoba governments have launched a new pilot program that encourages and rewards sustainable farming practices.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the Forage Advantage pilot last week, an initiative set to begin in the 2026 crop year.
Under the program, farmers who plant perennial forage crops on marginal land – areas that typically struggle to grow annual crops due to poor soil, erosion, or excess moisture – will receive a 15% discount on Forage Establishment Insurance premiums. Once the forage is in production the following year, producers 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 insurance programs protect producers against yield losses caused by drought, excessive rainfall, or disease.
According to officials, planting perennial forage offers a range of environmental benefits, including improved soil fertility, better water filtration, reduced weed and disease pressure, and increased carbon sequestration. Forage crops can also support pollinators and biodiversity while improving a farm’s resilience to climate change.
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“The Forage Advantage pilot reflects our governments’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture,” said 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.”
Kostyshyn said the initiative aligns with Manitoba’s goal of expanding regenerative agriculture practices. “By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, this program helps farmers protect their land while maintaining productive and resilient operations,” he said.
Along with the new pilot, the governments are providing an additional $500,000 to the Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program, which helps producers to adopt environmentally responsible practices in cropland, livestock, and water management. The funding boost, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aligns with the Forage Advantage pilot.
The Sustainable CAP is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s agriculture and agr-food sectors.
The Forage Advantage pilot will be available for the 2026 crop year. Eligible producers who enroll in the Forge Establishment Insurance and plant perennial forage on qualifying marginal acres will automatically receive the premium discount.
