Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson has announced changes to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation.

The program is designed to support improving forage productivity, growing the livestock industry and advancing sustainability.

Johnson says after a 45-day public comment period the province is revising the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation to improve the program for all who use it.

The changes being made include,  reducing forage lease rents over the next several years,  extending lease terms to a maximum of 20 years from 15 years when producers invest in forage productivity improvements, and enabling 15-year leaseholders to transfer the remaining years of their leases to an eligible third party.  

The amendments will take affect Jan. 1.