February 20, 2020
Manitoba Launches First Step in Forage Insurance Review
Consultations with forage and livestock producers and organizations to review and shape Manitoba’s forage insurance programming are now available online, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“Manitoba forage producers have had back-to-back challenging production years and only a small proportion of forage acres are insured when compared to annual crops,” Pedersen said. “To bridge that gap, we need to better understand the risks, challenges and effectiveness of the current program to help ensure it meets their needs over the longer term.”
Producers have the opportunity to provide their thoughts on the current program and suggest changes that will support growth of Manitoba’s livestock sector through an online survey on https://engagemb.ca/. Contributions will help inform government on how the current forage insurance platform is being used, its limitations and what changes need to be considered.
The review will include a number of in-person engagement sessions in March to build on the dialogue. The consultant for the review will work with producers and associations to identify priorities to be considered when developing or redesigning the forage insurance platform.
To take part in the online survey, visit the Forage Insurance Review at https://engagemb.ca/forage-insurance-review or visit one of the public kiosks available at the following Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development locations and contact the office to schedule an appointment:
• Vita – 108 Main St. N, 204-425-5050;
• Carberry – junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and PTH 5, north on PTH 5, 204-834-8815;
• Virden – 247 Wellington St. W, 204-748-4770;
• Swan River – 120 Sixth Ave. N, 204-734-3417;
• Roblin – 117 Second Ave. NW, 204-937-6460; and
• The Pas – 234 Third St. and Ross Avenue, 204-627-8255.
Deadline for submissions is March 9.
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