Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is receiving government funding to enhance on-farm safety.

The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $432,000 to help KAP establish a new program to provide practical, on-farm expertise, resources and training.

The farm safety program will offer access to agriculture industry-specific information to ensure agriculture employers understand the regulations, rights and responsibilities around safe workplaces and to identify risks on their farms.

“The Government of Canada supports workplace safety and encourages farmers and farm workers to adopt best practices,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.  “This investment will provide the tools and training needed to reduce the risk of injury and ensure everyone at the farming operation remains safe.”

The program will be administered by KAP, with leadership provided by a Manitoba farm safety council.

“Our goal is to provide resources for farmers that are practical,” said Dan Mazier, KAP president.  “Rather than just telling them to read through safety regulations, we are making someone available to show them what they can do to reduce accidents on their farms and comply with provincial regulations.”

Safe Work Manitoba is a project partner and will provide funding, expertise and other resources.

“SAFE Work Manitoba commends KAP for taking this important step in establishing a farm safety program,” said Jamie Hall, chief operating officer, SAFE Work Manitoba.  “This program will help make Manitoba’s farms safer for farmers, their families and for workers. We look forward to a continued partnership by working with KAP to bring safety information and resources to Manitoba farms.”

Government funding is being provided through Growing Forward 2.