The Canadian and Manitoba governments have invested over $1.5 million in the FarmSafe Manitoba program.
This funding, announced as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), will span the next five years and is a crucial step towards enhancing health and safety standards on farms across Manitoba, thereby supporting the province's vital agricultural sector.
The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) will spearhead the FarmSafe Manitoba initiative, focusing on providing essential resources and training to promote safe and healthy farm operations.
This program is tailored to meet the unique needs of Manitoba's farming community, offering practical solutions and guidance in areas such as machinery operation, livestock handling, chemical handling, and emergency preparedness.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn highlighted the importance of adapting to changing agricultural practices and equipment. They emphasized that ensuring the safety of agricultural workers and their families is paramount, especially in an industry that constantly evolves.
“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 MacAulay. “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 aims to foster a culture of safety within the agricultural community, focusing on reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety in the agri-food sector, ultimately improving the overall well-being of farmers and farm workers.
This program is not only a resource for farmers to manage safety on their farms effectively but also a commitment to their physical and mental well-being. As farm owners and operators, farmers need support in their efforts to protect themselves, their families, and their workers. FarmSafe Manitoba serves as an invaluable tool in these endeavors.
“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 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.”
The funding provided by the governments will enable KAP to deliver the FarmSafe Manitoba program more effectively, meeting the increasing demand for safety tools and services among Manitoba producers. This investment is a testament to the government's dedication to the safety and sustainability of the agricultural sector, ensuring that farming remains a safe and productive occupation for Canadians.
With agriculture being a cornerstone of Canada's economy, initiatives like FarmSafe Manitoba are essential for the continued growth and success of the sector. This investment not only safeguards the physical health of those on the front lines of food production but also contributes to the economic stability and food security of the nation.