News Safety
FarmSafe Manitoba funding to promote safe and healthy farm operations

The Canada and Manitoba governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) are investing more than $1.5 million over the next five years to the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) for the FarmSafe Manitoba program to promote safe and healthy farm operations in Manitoba.

“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,” says Manitoba agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn. “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.”

With the agriculture industry facing evolving challenges, the KAP-led program aims to provide a set of strategies and initiatives that meet the growing demand for farm safety education and support. FarmSafe Manitoba provides farm-specific resources, safety assessments, hazard identification, risk management guidance and training sessions, Kostyshyn says.

The FarmSafe Manitoba program provides resources that cover various aspects of farm safety including machinery operation, livestock handling, chemical handling and emergency preparedness. FarmSafe Manitoba aims to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities and promote a culture of safety in the agricultural community. The project 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.

“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.”