News

AM Best Upgrades Farm Mutual Re Financial Strength Rating to A-

Cambridge, ON – July 24, 2026 –

AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating for Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc. (“Farm Mutual Re”) to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good), and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a-” (Excellent) from “bbb++” (Good). With the upgraded ratings, AM Best’s outlook is stable.

AM Best’s ratings upgrade recognizes Farm Mutual Re’s strengthened operating performance and commitment to prudent risk management, while the “stable” outlook reflects confidence in our ability to deliver consistent results despite the potential for volatility of catastrophe events. Since 2020, disciplined underwriting, thoughtful risk selection, effective expense management, and targeted rate adjustments have resulted in four consecutive years of underwriting profitability and consistent positive operating results. These efforts have strengthened Farm Mutual Re’s long-term position and improved our ability to support members and other clients.

“This rating upgrade is an important milestone for Farm Mutual Re and reflects the progress we’ve made over the past several years,” said Jean-Pierre Gagnon, President and CEO. “It recognizes the work we’ve done to strengthen our organization while remaining focused on our purpose of supporting members and the mutual insurance community. This achievement positions us well for the future and reinforces our ability to provide dependable support when our members and clients need us most.”

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About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information, visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For media inquiries, contact communications@farmmutualre.com

Farm Mutual Re Announces 2026 Philanthropic Purse Winners

Cambridge, ON – June 1, 2026 –

Giving back to local communities is a cornerstone of the mutual insurance system, and Farm Mutual Re’s Philanthropic Purse initiative brings that commitment to life. In 2026, members were invited to nominate charities that make a meaningful difference where they live and work. Today, Farm Mutual Re is proud to announce four organizations that will each receive a $5,000 philanthropic purse.

• Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village, nominated by Germania Mutual Insurance
• Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario, nominated by Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance
• Tavistock Community Health, nominated by South Easthope Mutual Insurance
• The Family Central, nominated by Westminster Mutual Insurance Company

These organizations reflect the strong sense of care, connection, and local impact that defines mutual insurance communities, supporting safety, education, health care, and social well-being.

About Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village
Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village offers an innovative, hands-on safety educational facility designed to help reduce preventable childhood injuries and death. The village features interactive classrooms and a miniaturized community with roads, traffic signals, buildings, and safety demonstration areas that allow children to learn by doing. For more information visit https://www.saugeenvalleycsv.com/

About Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario
Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario brings real-world learning into the classroom by connecting students with volunteer business professionals. Through interactive activities, discussions, and digital learning, students build financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurial skills—empowering them to define and pursue their own paths to success. For more information visit https://jaswo.org/

About Tavistock Community Health
Tavistock Community Health is dedicated to fostering accessible, high-quality health care in a small rural community. By managing operational costs and supporting recruitment of medical professionals, the organization helps ensure essential health services remain available to residents and their families. For more information visit https://www.tchi.ca/

About The Family Central

The Family Central exists to offer hope and support to individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction. Through food security programs, transitional housing, and personalized support services, the organization works toward restoring stability, independence, and long-term well-being. For more information visit https://thefamilycentral.ca/

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About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

Farm Mutual Re Named One of Canada’s Greenest Employers 2026

Cambridge, ON – April 21, 2026 –

 For the ninth year in a row, Farm Mutual Re has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This recognition reflects Farm Mutual Re’s dedication to its sustainability-focused programs.

Highlights of Farm Mutual Re’s sustainability efforts include:

• A LEED® Gold Certified head office, featuring environmentally responsible design elements such as rainwater collection, green roofs, drought-resistant plantings, ground source heat pump for heating and cooling, photocell computer-controlled sunshades, sensor-controlled lighting, and low-flow and motion sensor water fixtures
• On-site microforest entering its fourth year this April, with employee volunteers planting a total of 400 native trees and shrubs in partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region’s microforest program.
• Employee-led community garden established in 2012, with all harvested produce donated to the Cambridge Food Bank
• Ongoing employee-driven recycling program for e-waste, batteries, eyeglasses, writing instruments, and milk bags
• Four on-site electric vehicle charging stations to support low-emission transportation

“Our employees play an active role in advancing our environmental goals,” said Toby Little, Green Team Chair and Communications Manager. “We care deeply and are eager to roll up our sleeves to make a difference.”

Detailed reasons for selection for each of this year’s winners are accessible here.

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About Canada’s Greenest Employer

Now in its 19th year, Canada’s Greenest Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness. Winning employers are selected by editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. For more information visit www.canadastop100.com/environmental/

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About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

Farm Mutual Re Named One of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers 2026

Cambridge, ON – April 15, 2026 –

For the third year, Farm Mutual Re has been named one of Southwestern Ontario’s top employers, recognizing its focus on employee well-being, professional growth, and community impact.

The organization was selected for fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace, supported by a holistic approach to wellness through initiatives such as the 9toThrive program, which promotes physical, mental, and overall health through personalized coaching, fitness programming, and practical tools. Employees also benefit from flexible work arrangements, a defined-benefit pension plan, comprehensive health coverage, and generous support for mental health and family-related leaves.

Engagement extends beyond the workplace through employee-led groups including the Green Team, the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Power of We Committee, and the Social Committee.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our culture and the people who bring it to life every day by living our values of Care, Courage, Trust, and Sustainability,” said Jean‑Pierre Gagnon, President and CEO. “By continuing to invest in our employees and foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, we’re building the foundation for long-term success.”

Reasons for selection of each of this year’s winners are accessible here: https://www.canadastop100.com/southwestern-ontario

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About Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers

Now in its third year, Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers is an annual competition that recognizes leading employers in the region between Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and Lake Erie, excluding the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara. Launched by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, this competition is the first new regional project in a decade, highlighting the area’s diverse industries and dynamic employment landscape. For more information, visit https://www.canadastop100.com/2026/swo2026-release.pdf

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About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com

Supreme Court Ruling on Insurance Contract

CAMBRIDGE, ON, and OTTAWA, ON February 4, 2026 –

Farm Mutual Re, the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (OMIA), and the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC) are pleased with the Supreme Court of Canada’s January 30 decision in the case of Emond v. Trillium Mutual Insurance Co.

“The outcome of this appeal is significant for our symbiotic mutual insurance ecosystem, which exists to provide security and resilience for our communities,” said Jean-Pierre Gagnon, President & CEO of Farm Mutual Re. “This result will help prevent consumers from experiencing affordability challenges or losing certain coverages altogether.”

The three organizations jointly intervened in the case to support Trillium Mutual, a member of all three, and collectively voice the perspective of mutual insurers on how insurance contracts should be interpreted.

“The mutual insurance industry requires certainty regarding the insurance policies we create, develop and underwrite, how the different elements of the policies interact, and what responsibilities we have toward policyholders,” said John Taylor, President of OMIA.

The decision preserves the status quo for the entire insurance industry, enabling insurers to set premiums reliably and offer coverage in clear, predictable policy language—a benefit to all policyholders.

Sangita Kamblé, President and CEO of CAMIC added that “It was important for CAMIC, the leading and only national mutual insurance association in Canada, to intervene with Farm Mutual Re and OMIA given our mission to advocate for our members and strengthen their collective impact.”

About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com

 About OMIA

The Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (OMIA) is the trade association for 34 independent mutual insurance companies across Ontario. Each mutual is 100% Canadian and owned by its policyholders, and each is more than a century old. 

OMIA’s function is to share resources, discuss issues of common concern and explore opportunities for growth and development among our member companies. At OMIA we enable our member companies to achieve and maintain a high level of excellence by providing leadership through education, marketing, support services, and special projects.

 About CAMIC

The Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC) is the national trade association for 67 independent mutual insurance companies across Canada. Each mutual is 100% Canadian and is owned by its policyholders, with each being more than a century old. 

CAMIC is the trusted national voice for the Canadian mutual insurance industry. CAMIC advocates on behalf the mutuals at the federal government level, provides networking opportunities for its members and explores emergent industry issues. For more information, please visit www.camic.ca or contact info@camic.ca 

Farm Mutual Re Named One of Waterloo Area’s 2026 Top Employers

CAMBRIDGE, ON, JANUARY 13, 2026 –

For the ninth year, Farm Mutual Re has been named one of Waterloo Area’s top employers. This award recognizes Farm Mutual Re’s commitment to empowering its employees and cultivating an environment where everyone can feel a sense of belonging. The company’s culture is rooted in exceptional service and building relationships, which offers employees a wide range of opportunities that inspire quality and creativity and enrich their experience.

From professional development opportunities and wellness initiatives to competitive perks, employees enjoy many benefits. They also engage in meaningful ways through volunteer groups such as the Green Team, the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion Committee, and the Social Committee.

“We genuinely care about one another, and it shows in how we work. By welcoming diverse perspectives, we challenge ourselves to think creatively, explore new possibilities, and always improve,” said Jean-Pierre Gagnon, President and CEO. “Collaboration is at the heart of our success.”

Reasons for selection of each of this year’s winners are accessible here: https://www.canadastop100.com/waterloo/

About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com

Farm Mutual Re and Co-operators Honoured with 2025 Friend of the Faculty Impact Award by University of Waterloo 

GUELPH, ON, NOVEMBER 28, 2025 – The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment has recognized Farm Mutual Re and Co-operators with its 2025 Friend of the Faculty Impact Award for their decade of leadership, collaboration, and support as part of Partners for Action (P4A) — a research initiative dedicated to helping Canadians prepare for and adapt to climate-related risks.

Since its launch in 2015, P4A has brought together researchers, insurers, and government and community partners to close Canada’s flood-preparedness gap. With founding support from Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re, many initiatives have been developed, including:

• FloodSmart Canada, the first bilingual public portal offering flood maps and preparedness resources.
• A Canadian Social Vulnerability Index, created with the Canadian Red Cross to help identify communities needing support before, during, and after disasters.
• The Climate Resilient Retrofits Database, which helps guide Canadians to adapt their homes to multiple climate hazards.
• Managed Retreat Research, which aids in informing policy changes in Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements and advancing decision-supports for at-risk communities.

“All that’s been achieved is a testament to what is possible through collaboration,” said Jean-Pierre Gagnon, President & CEO of Farm Mutual Re. “We are honoured to be recognized by the University of Waterloo for our commitment to sustainability and our focus on cultivating healthy communities. As part of the mutual insurance community, doing the right thing is in our DNA. We will continue to build upon the foundation that P4A has laid by supporting efforts that help Canadians adapt to increasingly severe weather.”

“This award celebrates our commitment to student learning, applied research, and community resilience across Canada,” said Shawna Peddle, AVP of Sustainability at Co-operators. “It’s a symbol of what we can accomplish when we put aside individual goals and come together for a common purpose – to make our communities more resilient to a changing climate.”

Through this collaboration, dozens of University of Waterloo students have gained research and leadership experience in climate adaptation, while contributing to work that continues to influence Canadian policy and community practice.

“I am proud of the work we have done under the P4A umbrella, catalyzed by the support and thought leadership of Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re, and enabled by building high performing teams of staff and students with the capacity to do collaborative work.   This work has really been about harnessing the resources of academia to benefit Canadian communities,” said Sharmalene Mendis-Millard, Director of Partners for Action based at the University of Waterloo.

The Friend of the Faculty Impact Award was presented at a banquet on campus this past November 19, 2025.

About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Re provides reinsurance solutions that enable community-based mutual insurers to give personal service with the same security as multi-national organizations. Grounded in financial strength, Farm Mutual Re cultivates deep-rooted, collaborative relationships with our members and valued partners around the world to drive trust and success. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

About Co-operators 
Proudly Canadian since 1945, Co-operators is a leading financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. With more than $78 billion in assets under administration, Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co-operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co-operators is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and ranked as one of Corporate Knights’ Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada.

About Partners for Action (P4A)
Launched in 2015 by the University of Waterloo, Co-operators, and Farm Mutual Re, Partners for Action advanced flood resilience and equitable climate adaptation through research, education, and community engagement. Visit https://uwaterloo.ca/partners-for-action/ to learn more and access key resources.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com

Farm Mutual Re Announces 2025 Philanthropic Purse Winners

Cambridge, ON – July 14, 2025 – Farm Mutual Re recently invited members of their mutual insurance community to nominate a charity that holds significance to them and their local communities to receive one of four purses of $5,000. Today, we announce the winners of this initiative:

• Nutrition for Learning, nominated by Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
• Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services, nominated by HD Mutual Insurance Company
• R.O.C.K. – Reach Out Chatham Kent, nominated by Maple Mutual Insurance Company
• The Listowel Agricultural Society, nominated by Trillium Mutual Insurance Company

About Nutrition for Learning
Nutrition for Learning organizes nutrition programs for students across Waterloo Region. By ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend school well-nourished, Nutrition for Learning supports the physical, cognitive, behavioural, and academic needs of children and youth in the community. Collectively, Nutrition for Learning provides over 2 million universally accessible meals at 180 schools. For more information visit https://www.nutritionforlearning.ca/

About Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services (Porchlight)
Porchlight provides counselling and addiction services to those in need in Cambridge and North Dumfries. Their programs include individual and group counselling, recovery homes, and community outreach. For more information visit https://fcccnd.com/ 

About Reach Out Chatham Kent (R.O.C.K.)
Built on the belief that mental health and well-being are human rights that every person deserves, R.O.C.K. operates a Peer-2-Peer program, outreach program, and two drop-in locations in Chatham and Wallaceburg to assist those experiencing homelessness and addiction. For more information visit https://reachoutck.com/

About The Listowel Agricultural Society (Ag Society)
The Ag Society organizes the Listowel Fair every July which includes homecraft competitions, livestock shows and tractor pulls among other fun exhibits. In addition, they provide farming resources and host other public events. Funds raised by The Ag Society help support local hospitals and charities. For more information visit https://www.listowelfair.com/ 

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About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc. operates under the name Farm Mutual Re. It was established in 1959 to provide efficient and effective reinsurance support to the mutual system. With Farm Mutual Re’s support, community-based mutual insurers can continue to provide personal service while offering the same security as a multi-national organization. Its stability is grounded in its financial strength as well as the long-term relationships it cultivates with its partners which include reinsurers in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. Farm Mutual Re sees tremendous value in forging deep-rooted relationships to provide stability and capacity. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com

Farm Mutual Re Announces Canada’s Greenest Employer 2025 Award

Cambridge, ON – April 22, 2025 – For the eighth year in a row, Farm Mutual Re has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This recognition reflects Farm Mutual Re’s dedication to its sustainability-focused programs.

In celebration of Earth Day, April 22, employee volunteers are planting another 100 native trees and shrubs on our property. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration with Sustainable Waterloo Region in their microforest program. To date 300 trees have been added to the abundant vegetation growing near our office.

Additional highlights of Farm Mutual Re’s sustainability efforts include:

• Office community garden established in 2012, which is planted, tended and harvested by employee volunteers and all produce is donated to the Cambridge Food Bank
• Employee-driven recycling programs for e-waste, batteries, eyeglasses, and milk bags
• Numerous green features of Farm Mutual Re’s LEED® Gold Certified head office, including rainwater collection, green roofs, drought-resistant plantings, ground source heat pump for heating and cooling, photocell computer-controlled sunshades, sensor-controlled lighting, and low-flow and motion sensor water fixtures
• Four electric vehicle charging stations available

“Our employees are at the forefront of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Toby Little, Green Team Chair and Communications Manager. “We care and we don’t shy away from rolling up our sleeves to take meaningful actions.”

Detailed reasons for selection for each of this year’s winners are accessible here.

About Canada’s Greenest Employer

Now in its 18th year, Canada’s Greenest Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness. Winning employers are selected by editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. For more information visit www.canadastop100.com/environmental/

About Farm Mutual Re

Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc. operates under the name Farm Mutual Re. It was established in 1959 to provide efficient and effective reinsurance support to the mutual system. With Farm Mutual Re’s support, community-based mutual insurers can continue to provide personal service while offering the same security as a multi-national organization. Its stability is grounded in its financial strength as well as the long-term relationships it cultivates with its partners which include reinsurers in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. Farm Mutual Re sees tremendous value in forging deep-rooted relationships to provide stability and capacity. For more information visit www.farmmutualre.com.

For further information, please contact  communications@farmmutualre.com