Governments' contributions and interest earned are not taxed until the monies are withdrawn from the NISA account. Withdrawals are based on the greater of two triggers. All agricultural commodities are eligible except for inedible horticulture and supply managed commodities. For 1997, ECI is available for annual crops, some pedigreed forage seed crops, tame and native hay. Compared to the traditional Crop Insurance program, governments now pay a higher share of premium costs, making risk management more affordable for producers.
Coverage is more predictable under the new program.
Separate hail coverage, unseeded acreage insurance, and forage establishment insurance is still available to producers with all risk contracts. Eligible commodities include Crop Insurance crops, stored hay, honey, leafcutter bees, and related products. In short, ARDI is an investment commitment by the Province to support the successful and progressive growth of Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food industry through development and associated research. Funding will be available to commodity groups, individuals, industry, and institutions. Applications will be approved on a project by project basis, based on specified qualifying criteria and opportunities for leveraging additional investment dollars.