Agricultural Business Guide

Last Verified: February 1, 2012

What is a Business Guide?

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre created Business Guides to help you navigate through the wide range of programs and services in a specific area as well as related regulations that may affect your business venture. Business Guides featuring other topics of interest are also available by contacting the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 204-984-2272 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2019 (toll free in Canada) or by e-mail at manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca.

Note: In addition to providing an immediate clickable link when viewing this document online, we have suggested search words/terms to assist you in future or additional program and/or service information searches on our or other sites.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Financial Assistance
• Insurance
• Other Programs and Services

Financial Assistance

Advance Payments Program (APP)
Financial Guarantee Programs Division
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - AAFC
Phone: 1-888-346-2511
E-mail: info@agr.gc.ca
Internet:  http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1290176119212&lang=eng
Search words: Advance Payments Program

The cash advance rate cannot exceed 50% of the average market price that the Minister estimates will be payable to producers of the agricultural product in that area. The maximum cash advance available to each producer is $400,000. The federal government pays the interest on the first $100,000 of a cash advance issued to a producer per production period and producers have up until the end of the production period to repay their advance.

The following producer organizations are ready to receive applicants for cash advances under the Advance Payments Program. As additional producer organizations are ready to deliver the program, they will be listed on this page along with the list of products on which they are offering cash advances.
Internet - Producer Organizations: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1295287645373&lang=eng.

Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (MB)
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI)
Contact local GO Office: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices.html
Internet: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/growingforward/gf_programs/aaa14s09.html
Search Words: Agri-Food Research and Development

The Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (ARDI) funds innovation in agri-food production and processing in Manitoba. Priority is given to projects that result in:

• new farm income streams,
• growth in the value-added sector, or
• reduced costs for primary production

The program’s target is to provide 50 percent of the funds for approved projects.

Agri-Opportunities Program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: Toll free - 1-877-246-4682
E-mail: info@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1195488674667&lang=eng
Search words: Agri-Opportunities Program

The Agri-Opportunities five-year program ended on March 31, 2011 its aim was to accelerate the commercialization of new agricultural products, processes or services that are currently not produced or commercially available in Canada, and are ready to be introduced to the marketplace.

Please be advised that Agri-Opportunities is not accepting applications at this time. We ask that all interested parties contact 1-877-246-4682 to discuss your project and possible program updates.

AgriProcessing Initiative
Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada
Phone: 1-877-246-4682
Email: API@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1294434150330&lang=eng
Search Words: Agri processing initiative

This program provides support to existing processing companies for agri-processing projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. The AgriProcessing Initiative is a five year initiative providing up to $50 million and ending on March 31, 2014. It is a discretionary program delivered nationally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

AgriStability Payments
AgriStability - Farm Income Programs
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
E-mail: info@agr.gc.ca
Phone: Toll free - 1-866-367-8506
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1200508680358&lang=e
Search words: AgriStability Program

AgriStability provides support when you experience a large margin decline. You may be able to receive an AgriStability payment when your current year program margin falls below 85% of your reference margin. AgriStability is based on margins:

Program margin - your allowable income minus your allowable expenses in a given year, with adjustments for changes in receivables, payables and inventory. These adjustments are made based on information you submit on the AgriStability harmonized form.

Reference margin - your average program margin for three of the past five years (the lowest and highest margins are dropped from the calculation).

Should your production margin fall below 85% of your reference margin in a given year, you will receive a program payment.

Agricultural Flexibility Fund (AgriFlexibility)
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Phone: 1-877-290-2188
Fax: 613-773-1922
E-mail: AgriFlex@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1247082294164&lang=eng
Search words: Agricultural Flexibility Fund

The Agricultural Flexibility Fund (AgriFlexibility) is a five year (2009-2014) program that will improve the sector's competitiveness and will help the sector adapt to pressures through non-business risk-management measures that will reduce costs of production, improve environmental sustainability, promote innovation and respond to market challenges.

Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Program Delivery: Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council
Phone: 204-982-4790 or Toll Free 1-800-216-9767
Fax: 204-982-4794
E-mail: mracinfo@mrca.ca
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1182366508375&lang=eng
Search words: CAAP

The Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) is a five-year (2009-2014), program with the objective of facilitating the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector's ability to seize opportunities, respond to new and emerging issues and pilot solutions to new and ongoing issues in order to adapt and remain competitive.

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program (CALA)
(Formerly Farm Improvement and Marketing Cooperatives Loan Act)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - AAFC
Phone: 1-888-346-2511
Fax: 613-773-2020
E-mail: fgp-pgf@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1177344219813&lang=eng
Search words: CALA

This program is a financial loan guarantee program that gives farmers easier access to credit. Farmers can use these loans to establish, improve, and develop farms; while Agricultural co-operatives may also access loans to process, distribute, or market the products of farming. The maximum loan amounts are: $500,000 for land and the construction or improvement of buildings, $350,000 for all other loan purposes, the aggregate loan limit for any one farmer is $500,000, and $3 million for agricultural co-operatives with the Minister's approval.

Commercialization Support for Business Program
Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade
Phone: List of Industry Consultants http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/industry/consult.html
Fax: 204-945-1193
E-mail: csb@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/financial/csb/index.html
Search words: commercialization support, Manitoba

This program helps Manitoba continue to move forward by supporting product and process commercialization and business development in all sectors and all regions of the province. The program includes:
Concept Development (Max up to $25,000) – from concept to prototype development;
Product Development (Max up to $40,000) – pre-commercialization activities like feasibility or engineering analyses, trial production and test marketing;
Product Commercialization (Max up to $200,000) – moving from prototype to market-ready product;
Market Development (Max $30,000) – materials and activities needed to enter new markets successfully;
Certification Assistance (Max $15,000) – obtaining plant or product certification;
Intellectual Property (Max $25,000) – securing intellectual property rights for the product or process.

Farm Credit Canada - Products and Services
Farm Credit Canada - FCC
Phone: 1-888-332-3301
Fax: 1-306-780-8919
E-mail: csc@fcc-fac.ca
Internet: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/products/products_e.asp
Search words: Farm Credit Canada

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) loans are designed for the unique needs of different agriculture sectors. That gives you a lot of financing options such as: Agribusiness Financing, FCC Alliances Financing, Young Farmers, Partnerships, Loan Life and Accident Insurance, Software, CanadianFarmersMarket, Properties, Farmland Values.

MASC - Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
To locate your local MASC Lending Office visit the MASC Locations Finder online at: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html
Phone: 204-726-6850
Fax: 204-726-6849
Internet: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/lending.html
Search words: MASC, Manitoba agriculture

MASC Lending, funded by the Government of Manitoba, provides financing for farmers and support for rural economic development enterprises, and works in partnership with private lenders to provide access to credit for farmers and rural business to assist in the start-up, expansion and purchase of businesses in rural Manitoba.

The following list is a sampling of some of the Lending programs offered by MASC.

• Bridging Generations Initiative
• Comprehensive Refinancing Loans
• Direct Loans
• Enhanced Diversification Loan Guarantees
• Environmental Enhancement Loans
• Manitoba Livestock Associations Loan Guarantees
• Operating Credit Guarantees
• Rural Entrepreneur Assistance - REA
• Stocker Loans

Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council - MRAC
Phone: 204-982-4790 or Toll free 1-800-216-9767
Fax: 204-982-4794
E-mail: mracinfo@mrac.ca
Internet: http://www.mrac.ca/
Search words: MRAC

MRAC may fund up to $300,000 for both not-for-profits and for-profits. However, for-profits will only be considered for funding in excess of $99,000 if the project meets MRAC's public good assessment. Click here to learn more about how a project is evaluated to determine the public good. Please call a program coordinator for further clarification.

Collective Outcome projects are eligible for $500,000 of total eligible cash costs of a proposed Manitoba led project that demonstrates greater industry collaboration amongst national, multi-regional and regional stakeholders.

Eligible projects include projects which address business plan development; feasibility & market studies; new product development; value added processing; adaptive research; information & technology transfer; food quality & safety initiatives; sustainable resource management.

Insurance

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) Insurance Office
To locate your local MASC Insurance Office, visit the MASC Locations Finder at:
Internet: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html
Phone: 204-239-3246
Fax: 204-239-3401
E-mail: mailbox@masc.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/insurance.html
Search words: MASC Offices

The following list is a sampling of some of the Insurance programs offered by MASC.  For a detailed listing and program information visit their Website.

• AgriInsurance provides coverage for over 60 crops grown in Manitoba
• Hail Insurance
• Pilot Insurance Programs

Other Programs and Services

AgriInvest Payments
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: Toll free - 1-866-367-8506
Fax: 1-877-949-4885
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1298660597825&lang=eng
Search words: AgriInvest, Manitoba

Under this program, each year, producers can deposit up to 1.5% of their Allowable Net Sales (ANS) into an AgriInvest account and receive a matching government contribution.

AgriSuccess: Information and Learning
Farm Credit Canada
Phone: 1-888-332-3301
Fax: 1-306-780-8919
E-mail: csc@fcc-fac.ca
Internet: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/LearningCentre/journal/index.asp
Search words: Agrisuccess

AgriSuccess is a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to helping Canadian producers advance their management practices. Within the pages they will discover practical information, real-life examples and innovative ideas that will encourage and strengthen their operation.

Agricultural Products - Markets Information Program
Public Information Request Service
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: 1-888-576-4444
E-mail: info@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/info/info-eng.htm
Search words: Agricultural Products - Markets Information Program

This website provides links to a variety of existing information on the Internet related to agriculture and agri-food market access and trade policy information.

Alternative Crop Production
Industry Focus Section, Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Contact your local Go Team Office: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices
Phone: 204-856-9255
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/guides/guides
__by_department/agriculture_food_and_rural_initiatives/alternative_crops_production/
Search words: Alternative Crop Production, Manitoba Agriculture

The program seeks to investigate, develop technology for and demonstrate commercial production of crops offering new production and value-added processing opportunities for Manitoba producers, including medical and aromatic plants.

Alternative Straw Utilization
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-638-0118
Fax: 204-638-2854
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/guides/guides
__by_department/agriculture_food_and_rural_initiatives/alternative_straw_utilization/
Search words: alternative straw utilization

This service provides information for the supply of straw for alternate uses, thereby resulting in the reduction or elimination of the need to burn straws on fields.

Business Development & Management
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Go Team: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices
Phone: 204-726-6804
Fax: 204-726-6260
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa15s01.html
Search words: MAFRI, Business Development & Management

The Business Management program was created to build and strengthen individual business management practices directed at maximizing business net income through effective production, marketing, human resources, and financial management activity.

It is delivered to clients through publications, seminars, training courses, software, Web Information and direct on-farm contact by Business Development Specialists.

Cereal, Oilseed Special Crop Production
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Crops Knowledge Centre
Contact your local Go Team Office: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices
Phone: 204-745-5630
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa01s04
Search words: Crops, Manitoba Agriculture

To provide information on new varieties and production techniques of wheat, oats, barley, rye, flax, canola, sunflowers, winter wheat, triticale, peas, edible beans, soybeans and lentils.

Elk Farming in Manitoba
Chief Veterinary Office/Food Safety Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Contact your local Go Team Office: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices
Phone: 204-945-7677
Fax: 204-945-4327
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa04s06
Search words: Elk Farming in Manitoba, Manitoba Agriculture

To provide regulatory services, maintain a database of all licensed elk farms and an inventory of registered elk, and provide production information through our GO Teams and Go Offices.

Equine and Bison Production
Livestock Knowledge Centre - Industry Focus Section
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-467-4702
Fax: 204-467-5129
Contact your local Go Team Office: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa04s08
Search words: equine production, Manitoba agriculture
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa04s04
Search words: bison production, Manitoba agriculture

Provide expertise and training to industry sectors involved in equine or bison farming in such areas as animal health, genetics, nutrition, grazing management, and marketing, especially farm gate sales. Supply products and services to the bison and equine farming industry and to extension staff.

Farm Debt Mediation Service
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - AAFC
Phone: Toll free 1-866-452-5556
Fax: 1-306-780-7353
Internet: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1196274864620&lang=e
Search words: Farm Debt Mediation Service

The Farm Debt Mediation Service offers financial counselling and mediation services to farmers who are having difficulties meeting their financial obligations. It is a free and voluntary service for both producers and for creditor(s). The service helps bring producers and their creditor(s) together with a mediator in a neutral forum to reach a mutually acceptable solution. The service is private and confidential.

Farm Machinery Board
Boards, Commissions & Legislation
Phone: 204-945-3854
Fax: 204-945-1489
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa14s01
Search words: Farm Machinery Board

The Farm Machinery Board’s purpose is to provide Manitoba producers with warranty and repossession protection on farm machinery and equipment purchased or leased in Manitoba. The Farm Machinery Act provides statutory requirements on the length of warranties, replacement parts and service, replacement rentals, repossession procedures, sales contracts and financing arrangements

Food Development Centre
Food Development Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: Toll free 1-800-870-1044
Fax: 204-239-3180
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/fdc/
Search words: Food Development Centre

Assisting Every Step of the Way, From Inspiration to Evaluation. The Food Development Centre can help steer a product through every stage of development, from initial research through product testing and scale-up, to marketing.

Product development: taking your idea to prototype and beyond. Our scientists and food engineers can help you achieve high standards of food safety, quality and efficiency as you develop and modify products.

Evaluation: ensuring high standards of quality, consistency and safety. The Food Development Centre can help you evaluate the consumer appeal and safety of your product using trained professionals and unbiased panellists.

Forage Crop Production
Industry Focus Section, Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone:  204-745-5672
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa02s02
Search words: Forage Crop Production

To encourage efficient and economic forage and grassland production, conservation and utilization through extension and technology transfer programs.

Fruit Production
Industry Focus Section, Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-745-5675
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa01s10
Search words: Fruit Production, Manitoba Agriculture

This service encourages economic commercial production of domestic fruit including strawberries, saskatoons, raspberries, chokecherries, sea buckthorn, apples and other small fruits.

Provide information on the Integrated Pest Management to assist producers with pest control strategies.

Assist commercial growers with information on fruit production.

Greenhouse Production
Industry Focus Section, Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-856-9255
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa01s08
Search words: Greenhouse Production, Manitoba Agriculture

The objective of this program is to encourage the economic commercial production of greenhouse crops and to assist potential commercial greenhouse growers. It provides technical assistance in a variety of methods such as publications, resource lists, demonstrations, seminars, direct contact and telephone inquiries.

Manitoba Farm Mediation Board (MFMB)
Boards, Commissions & Legislation
Phone: 204-945-0359 or Toll free 1-800-282-8069
Fax: 204-945-1489
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa25s01
Search words: Manitoba Farm Mediation Board

The Manitoba Farm Mediation Board is established pursuant to The Family Farm Protection Act. Its purpose is to provide mediation as an alternative to legal action by creditors in situations in which farmers are unable to meet their obligations. If the concerned parties are able to reach a settlement, the Board can assist in developing a written debt settlement agreement.

Manitoba Organic Directory
Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Internet: Contact local Go Team Office http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices.html
Internet: Publication http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/organic/pdf/organicdirectory09.pdf
Search words: Manitoba Organic Directory

Organic food directory is available, online or in Hard Copy, to help consumers, restaurants, retailers, food handlers and processors locate local certified organic food sources in Manitoba.

Market Information and Industry Analysis - Crops
Industry Intelligence section, Knowledge Management Branch
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-945-3503
Fax: 204-948-2298
Internet: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa19s02.html
Search words: Market Information and Industry Analysis - Crops

Provide current and reliable statistical information and market analysis, market reports, historical trends, short and long-term outlook and economic forecasts specific to the crops industry.

Organiculture
Agri-Industry Development and Innovation, Crops, Industry Focus
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone:  204-745-5643
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/organic/index.html
Search words: Organiculture, Manitoba

This website provides information on all aspects of the organic agriculture sector, from production to marketing.

Potato Production
Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-745-8093
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa01s07
Search words: Potato, Manitoba Agriculture

Assist existing and new commercial growers with potato production information via fact sheets, meetings, field tours, http://mbpotatoes.ca/, demonstration trials, and potato extension events.

Prairie Shelterbelt Program
AAFC-PFRA - Shelterbelt Centre
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - AAFC
Fax: 1-306-695-2568
E-mail: agroforestry@agr.gc.ca
Internet: www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do
Search words: Prairie Shelterbelt Program

The Prairie Shelterbelt Program (PSP) provides technical services and tree and shrub seedlings for establishment of shelterbelts and other agroforestry, conservation and reclamation projects on agricultural and eligible lands.

Sheep and Goat Extension Service
Livestock Knowledge Centre - Industry Focus Section
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-945-7557
Fax: 204-945-4327
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa07s01
Search words: Sheep and Goat Extension Service

This service provides sheep and goat producers with production and marketing information, and to assist in development of new products and value added initiatives to capture increased income and profits.

Swine Extension/Industry Development Service
Livestock Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-945-5402
Fax: 204-945-4327
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa08s04  
Search words: Swine, Manitoba agriculture, livestock

The objective of this program is to provide technical support, services and information to producers, regional staff and industry for the purpose of enhancing the productive viability of Manitoba's pork industry.

Vegetable Production
Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives - MAFRI
Phone: 204-745-5671
Fax: 204-745-5690
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/aaa01s09
Search words: Vegetable production, Manitoba Agriculture

This service encourages economic production, storage, and marketing of commercially grown vegetables (including oriental). Provide information to assist commercial vegetable producers with pest control strategies both conventional and organic.

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.