Virden/CMEDIA:Support reportedly for farmers and rural communities is being strengthened by the Manitoba government with two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) offices in Virden and Shoal Lake, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced here today.
“Our government is committed to ensuring Westman farmers have the tools and support they need to succeed after the previous government closed these offices…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,” said Kostyshyn.
The new offices will improve access to MASC programs and services, the minister said, providing more convenient, in-person support for crop insurance, lending and other key resources.
The new locations being part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural communities, MASC offices play an important role in supporting the province’s agriculture sector through risk management, financing, and advisory services.
“The Town of Virden is so pleased to welcome the MASC offices back,” said Mayor Tina Williams, Town of Virden. “The value of having a local office for our surrounding farm communities cannot be overstated.”
Now open to serve 650 to 700 farmers and agri-businesses in the surrounding regions, each new service centre of the Virden and Shoal Lake offices staffed by four full-time employees and a team of insurance adjusters.
Across the province MASC now has 12 service centres providing access to agricultural insurance, lending and other agricultural programs and services.
