The objective of the Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA) is to advance the forage seed industry in all aspects. While MFSA advocates on behalf of forage seed producers on issues such as safety net programs and policy development, its primary focus is on undertaking practical, industry-driven projects that address production challenges, encourage innovation, and support the long-term growth of Manitoba’s forage seed industry.
Conducting valuable research and delivering industry services requires significant investment. To help ensure these initiatives continue, the Manitoba Forage Seed Check-off was established on July 1, 1996. Funds collected through the check-off are used to leverage additional government and industry funding, allowing MFSA to maximize research investments and undertake projects that directly benefit forage seed producers.
Effective July 1, 2026, the Forage Seed Check-off was revised. The levy has been reduced from 1.0% to 0.75% of all forage seed sales. At the same time, the annual maximum check-off and automatic refund provision have been eliminated. As a result, all seed trade purchasers are required to deduct a 0.75% levy from all forage seed purchases, with no annual maximum.
The revenue generated through the check-off enables MFSA to invest in research, market development, extension activities, and advocacy that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Manitoba’s forage seed industry.
During the 1994 Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA) annual general meeting, the membership instructed the Board of Directors to develop a detailed proposal for the establishment of a forage seed check-off. At the January 1995 MFSA annual meeting the completed proposal was presented and approved unanimously by the MFSA membership.
In June of 1995 a referendum was held on behalf of MFSA by the Manitoba Agriculture Producers Organization Certifying Agency. All producers selling forage seed to forage seed processors in any of the 3 years, 1992, 1993 or 1994 were mailed voting ballots. A referendum notification and registration form was also placed in the Manitoba Cooperator. The Ag Producers Organization Certifying Agency counted the ballots and MFSA received a positive vote to proceed. On July 6, 1996 a forage Seed Check-off was put in place.
It is mandatory that all seed trade purchasers deduct 0.75%. This includes both pedigreed and common seed production of perennial grasses, legumes and annual rye grasses. These check-off funds leverage additional government funding for research.
Trade will remit the funds twice a year for the period February 1 – June 30, and July 1 – January 31. Any producer wishing a refund must make a request in writing to MFSA within 30 days of the end of each period.
MFSA will forward any necessary refunds and a producer statement indicating the contributions made within 60 days after February 28 or July 31, whichever applies. Every contributor will receive regular detailed reports in “Forage Seed News” on projects and research funded by forage seed check-off funds.