BEAUSEJOUR, Man. – The future of the Gross Revenue Insurance Plan in Manitoba is another ingredient added into the mix of uncertainty facing farmers in this province.
It could soon be the only western province using the program, so the Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation representatives said they want farmers to speak their minds about its benefits, drawbacks and alternatives.
At a meeting in this town northeast of Winnipeg last week, farmers said GRIP has saved them from the wrath of three bad growing seasons.
Beausejour farmer Richard Fosty said maintaining coverage levels is crucial for his area.
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“The talk is that grain prices are going to be falling again and we know input costs are up. The margins weren’t there, even at the coverage that we had,” he said. “The coverage has made up the difference, and if that coverage disappears, it would be cheaper to not grow a crop.”
Fellow farmer Paul McIntosh agreed, saying GRIP has been a good risk-management tool. He said banks “wouldn’t have looked at us over the last two years without GRIP.”
Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation chair Terry Johnson said between 20 and 30 farmers showed up at each of five meetings across the province. While he was pleased with the turnout, Fosty said more farmers should be voicing their concerns.
