Manitoba’s agriculture sector faces challenges as extreme weather events take a toll on farmers, particularly asparagus and strawberry growers who lack comprehensive crop insurance coverage. Unforeseen frost in a cold May, heavy rainfall in June, and soaring temperatures in July have plagued Manitoba producers this year.
Michelle Baril, co-owner of Red River’s Edge Farms in Aubigny, recounts the devastation caused by the late spring frost on their 25-year asparagus crop, resulting in a significant financial loss. Unlike crops like wheat, canola, lentils, and beans covered by insurance, asparagus producers like Baril are left vulnerable without adequate protection.
Similarly, strawberry producer Angie Cormier from La Salle shares the struggles faced by fruit growers due to excessive humidity and upcoming hot weather affecting their harvest. While federal insurance programs exist for strawberries, they are limited to hail damage and new plants under a year old, leaving growers like Cormier exposed to losses without adequate support.
Efforts are underway to establish an insurance program for fruit producers in Manitoba, including saskatoons and haskap berries, as highlighted by Cormier’s collaboration with the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation. The complexities of insuring perennial fruit crops require innovative solutions to ensure the viability of the sector.
Addressing challenges in developing the fruit insurance program, David Van Deynze, MASC’s chief product officer, emphasizes the need for historical data to accurately assess crop losses. Comparing Manitoba’s fruit industry to Ontario’s more commercialized sector, Van Deynze underscores the importance of tailored insurance programs to safeguard against natural disasters.
Despite the current limitations, stakeholders like Baril remain optimistic about the potential for asparagus farming in Manitoba and the benefits of an inclusive insurance program to bolster the industry’s resilience.
In conclusion, the call for comprehensive insurance coverage for fruit producers in Manitoba reflects the ongoing efforts to support the agricultural community in navigating the impacts of extreme weather events on their livelihoods.