The Manitoba government is strengthening support for farmers and rural communities with the grand opening of two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) offices in Virden and Shoal Lake, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Our government is committed to ensuring farmers have the tools and support they need to succeed,” said Kostyshyn. “By opening new MASC offices in Virden and Shoal Lake, we are making it easier for producers to access programs and services closer to home, where they are needed most.”
The new offices will improve access to MASC programs and services for producers in western Manitoba, providing more convenient, in-person support for crop insurance, lending, and other key resources.
MASC plays a vital role in supporting the province’s agriculture sector through risk management, financing, and advisory services. The new locations are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural communities and ensure Manitoba’s producers have direct, local access to the resources that help them grow their businesses and manage risk.
“The Town of Virden is so pleased to welcome the MASC offices back. The value of having a local office for our surrounding farm communities cannot be overstated,” Mayor Tina Williams, Town of Virden.
MASC now has 12 service centres providing farmers with improved access to agricultural insurance, lending, and other agricultural programs and services. Each new service centre is staffed by four full-time employees and a team of insurance adjustors to serve clients in their respective regions.
The Virden and Shoal Lake offices are now open and available to serve 650 to 700 farmers and agri-businesses in the surrounding regions.