Manitoba producers will pay less in crop insurance premiums in 2026, as the federal and provincial governments roll out enhancements to the AgriInsurance program that include lower rates, expanded coverage, and new incentives tied to sustainable farming practices.
According to a provincial statement released last week, average premiums for annual crops are forecast at $11.46 per acre in 2026, down from $13.01 in 2025, offering some relief as farmers continue to manage weather volatility and challenging market conditions. Total insurance coverage for the 2026 crop year is expected to reach $4.3 billion.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support sustainability, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), - which administers the AgriInsurance program - is piloting the Forage Advantage incentive, offering a 15% discount on forage establishment insurance premiums for perennial forage crops grown on designated land. Additional discounts may apply to basic or select hay insurance or forage seed insurance once the forage crop enters production the following year. The 2026 program also includes new coverage for meadow fescue grown for seed, the statement said.
Also, for the 2026 crop year, the list of damaging species will be expanding as part of the wildlife damage compensation program. This change will lead to compensation for crop damage caused by blackbirds and raccoons, and livestock injury or death caused by vultures, eagles, hawks, ravens and other corvidae species.
The AgriInsurance program is designed to provide predictable protection for producers against natural perils such as drought, excess moisture or other extreme weather events, as well as diseases and pests. Manitoba maintains a high level of participation, with over 90% of annual crop acres and more than 7,300 farms enrolled in the program.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba support AgriInsurance and wildlife damage compensation under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
