Manitoba Budget 2025 Backs Farmers
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has shared its response to the recently announced Manitoba Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Adrien Sala. The budget outlines key priorities for the province, with a focus on agriculture and rural development.
One of the main highlights for farmers is a future investment of $100 million aimed at helping them manage financial losses caused by international trade tariffs, particularly from the U.S. and China.
“With tariffs from two of our largest trading partners, U.S. and China, as the top threat facing Manitoba farmers, we are encouraged to see a commitment in Budget 2025 to $100 million in future appropriations for support to mitigate financial losses for Manitoba farm operations,” said KAP General Manager, Colin Hornby. “KAP will continue working with the provincial government advocating to ensure Manitoba farmers get the support they need during these challenging times.”
The budget also includes increased funding for agricultural programs and services, especially those that benefit new and young farmers. These include expanded loan options through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) and enhanced support programs.
“KAP supports the increases in funding and loan limits that will help Manitoba farmers manage their operations,” said KAP President, Jill Verwey. “These include $500,000 more for the Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program, the Young Farmer Rebate increasing to $40,000 and accompanying loan limit to $400,000, MASC direct loan limit increasing from $5.25 million to $5.75 million and the stocker loan limit from $1 million to $1.4 million.”
While KAP welcomes these initiatives, it also urges the government to act on additional recommendations. These include eliminating the tax on farm properties and introducing a fairer funding model that doesn’t burden farmers. KAP also calls for Right to Repair legislation, enhanced Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) programming, and greater engagement with Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, D.C., to support agricultural interests.
Other key elements of Budget 2025 include $36.4 million to upgrade the Port of Churchill over two years, five additional seats for Manitoba veterinary students in other provinces, an increase in livestock predation compensation to $7,000 per animal, and $75,000 for rural veterinary services.
KAP remains committed to working with the provincial government to ensure Manitoba’s farmers are supported and heard as they navigate ongoing challenges.
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