The Canadian and Manitoba governments are investing more than $1.1 million over five years to the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) to enhance farm safety. The funding, announced today by federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, and Manitoba Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Ralph Eichler, will support the delivery of the Farm Safety Program and the development of safety tools, training and resources for farmers in Manitoba.

“Our Government acknowledges the importance of raising awareness regarding farm workplace hazards in order to prevent and reduce injuries. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we are investing in the continued development and delivery of farm safety oriented programs and training that will make working and living on Manitoba farms safer for all.”
- Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada, with risk of injuries increasing with the use of heavy machinery, working with livestock, fatigue, and extreme weather conditions. The Farm Safety Program will enable Manitoba farms to establish on-farm safety programs to keep their families, their workers and themselves safe while operating their businesses.”
- Ralph Eichler, Manitoba Agriculture Minister

“Safe practices on our farms is paramount to the safety of our producers, our employees and our families. I encourage all farmers to take advantage of this programming to prevent injuries and accidents in our workplace.”
- Bill Campbell, President of Keystone Agricultural Producers

• The program will be administered by the KAP, with the design and development of the program being guided by the Farm Safety Council.

• The Farm Safety Council includes representatives from a number of stakeholders; including members appointed by Manitoba’s farm commodity associations, such as the Manitoba Pork Council, the Manitoba Canola Growers Association, the Vegetable Growers Association of Manitoba, Manitoba Egg Farmers, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, Manitoba Corn Growers, Manitoba Beef Producers and the KAP.

• The five-year, $3-billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes $2 billion for cost-shared strategic initiatives delivered by the provinces and territories and $1 billion for federal programs and services.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Government of Manitoba Agriculture
• Keystone Agricultural Producers

Katie Hawkins
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
katie.hawkins@canada.ca

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John Neufeld
Public Affairs Specialist
Communications Services Manitoba
204-945-3812
John.neufeld@gov.mb.ca