The Canada and Manitoba governments have announced that they will be funding two new beneficial management practices (BMPs) for Manitoba farmers.

The first will support more environmentally responsible fuel storage and the second will help reduce the risk of spreading crop and livestock diseases between farms.

"These two new BMPs are the result of feedback received from farmers and the agricultural industry as part of our ongoing evaluation of Growing Forward 2's programs," said Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn. "This funding will help farmers and agri-businesses better protect the environment and ensure strong biosecurity measures are in place to for the entire industry."

Eligible farmers will receive up to 30 per cent of the cost of installing new on-farm fuel storage systems, to a maximum of $5,000. This will help reduce the risk of soil or water contamination from older units. To be eligible applicants must have a valid environmental farm plan statement of completion and own or control a minimum of 320 acres within Manitoba.

"Farmers who've completed environmental farm plans and had them reviewed by KAP have told us that a program to help them improve on-farm fuel storage is a priority," said Dan Mazier, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers. "I'm pleased that both Minister Ritz and Minister Kostyshyn have demonstrated their continued support for the EFP process by acting on KAP's recommendations for a fuel storage BMP."

Under the second new BMP, commercial manure applicators can apply for up to $15,000 or 50 per cent of the cost of new sanitation equipment including all necessary items for a mobile hot-wash unit. This will help reduce the risk of spreading diseases like porcine epidemic diarrhea virus or club root between farms. To be eligible applicants must have completed and passed the manure applicators training course offered by Assiniboine Community College and have a valid applicator's license.

Applications for these BMPs will be accepted beginning on July 13.

Funding is being provided under Growing Forward 2's Growing Assurance - Environment program.