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By Alice McFarlane

Marginal land program in Manitoba

Manitoba farmers encouraged to seed forages on marginal land

Nov 14, 2025 | 1:59 PM

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.

A new program will help Manitoba farmers adopt sustainable practices and save money.

The Forage Advantage pilot starts next year for farmers who plant perennial forage crops on marginal land and then 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. The programs protect against yield losses caused by natural hazards like drought, excess moisture, and disease.

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Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said the pilot reflects the federal and Manitoba governments shared commitment to 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,” MacDonald said.

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.

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 practices in cropland, livestock and water management such as planting perennial cover on sensitive lands.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said by encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, the program helps farmers protect their land.

“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.”

More information on the Forage Advantage pilot and crop insurance programs can be found here.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com