The federal and Manitoba governments are introducing targeted AgriStability enhancements to help producers affected by heavy early summer rainfall and flooding in June and July.
Announced Thursday, the changes are intended to improve access to financial support, ease cash-flow pressures and give affected farmers more flexibility as they recover and continue operating. Flooding struck at a critical point in the growing season and also overlapped with key AgriStability and AgriInvest deadlines.
One measure will waive 2025 late-filing penalties for producers located in municipalities and First Nation communities that declared states of emergency because of flooding. Producers outside those areas who missed the June 30 deadline due to flood-related circumstances may appeal to have their penalties waived.
The governments are also raising the maximum interim payment available under the 2026 AgriStability program to 75% of the estimated final payment, up from 50%. The higher limit is designed to get more money into producers’ hands within weeks of a completed application. Farmers who have already received an interim payment will automatically receive a top-up to the new 75% level.
Manitoba has also opened late participation for the 2026 program year. Producers who did not enrol by the April 30 deadline may still join, although their benefits will be reduced. They must pay the required participation fee before submitting their 2026 enrolment.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the changes will provide timely and meaningful help to farmers facing financial pressure. Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the measures will help producers recover, maintain their operations and continue supporting the province’s agricultural economy.
The enhancements are being delivered through existing Business Risk Management programs rather than through a new relief initiative. AgriStability provides protection against major farm-income declines caused by production losses, rising costs and changing market conditions under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
