The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is enhancing its loan guarantee programs to help Manitoba producers access financing during ongoing tariff-related pressures.
As part of the Manitoba government’s broader response to tariffs, MASC’s Operating Credit Guarantee program and the Diversification Loan Program are being enhanced to assist producers with the costs of doing business and adapting their operations to current and future markets.
Key enhancements include:
- Increasing MASC’s guaranteed share for both the Diversification Loan Guarantee and Operating Credit Guarantee programs to 33.33 per cent, up from 25 per cent.
- Increasing MASC’s approval authority for Diversification Loan Guarantees on loans of up to $15 million.
- Raising the loan limit for the Operating Credit Guarantee program to $3 million for all business types.
- Expanding the Diversification Loan Guarantee program to include grain and oilseed operations, as well as investments in primary agricultural infrastructure in Manitoba.
MASC’s Operating Credit Guarantee program assists producers in securing lines of credit from participating lending institutions on reasonable terms. Guaranteed loans may be used for general farm expenditures, living expenses, current-year principal and interest payments on existing loans, and, in emergencies, limited capital purchases.
The Diversification Loan Guarantee program supports producers and agricultural enterprises seeking to diversify their operations or add value to agricultural commodities, by guaranteeing funds borrowed from participating commercial lenders.
As previously, financial institutions are the client-facing contact for producers wanting to access to MASC loan guarantees. Financial institutions seeking further information may contact an MASC guarantees specialist at guarantees@masc.mb.ca.