$1.5 million-investment will provide farm-specific resources, risk management guidance, training sessions
The federal and Manitoba governments are investing $1.5 million to ensure farm safety in the province.
Delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the governments will deliver the funding to the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) for the FarmSafe Manitoba program to promote safe and healthy farm operations in Manitoba.
“As equipment and practices evolve and change the day-to-day realities on Canadian farms, it’s vitally important that we take steps to protect our agricultural workers and their families,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal agriculture and agri-food minister. “This important investment will help farmers access essential tools and information to manage risks effectively and keep farming operations in Manitoba safe, sustainable, and productive.”
FarmSafe Manitoba provides farm-specific resources, safety assessments, hazard identification, risk management guidance, and training sessions.The program provides resources that cover various aspects of farm safety including machinery operation, livestock handling, chemical handling, and emergency preparedness.
“This funding provides KAP with the ability to deliver the FarmSafe Manitoba program, which provides Manitoba producers with a suite of resources, tools and services to help them manage safety on their farms,” said Jill Verwey, president, KAP. “With an increased demand for these tools and services, KAP will be able to support Manitoba producers in their efforts to be safer in their operations and continue to promote what they have available at their disposal.”
The KAP-led program provides a set of strategies and initiatives that meet the growing demand for farm safety education and support as the agriculture industry faces evolving challenges, according to the provincial government.
The project aims to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities, and promote a culture of safety in the agricultural community. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety in the Manitoba agri-food sector and improve the overall well-being of farmers and farm workers.
“As the owners and operators of their farming operations, farmers and ranchers need to be supported in the efforts they take to protect themselves, their families and their workers,” said Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba agriculture minister. “FarmSafe Manitoba is an invaluable resource that gives producers the ability to use their knowledge and experience to foster a safety culture that promotes physical and mental well-being.”
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is between governments – cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially – for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
