diff --git a/Remote/Git.hs b/Remote/Git.hs
index d172ec7c04..05743a28d5 100644
--- a/Remote/Git.hs
+++ b/Remote/Git.hs
@@ -210,6 +210,7 @@ copyToRemote r key
 		params <- rsyncParams r
 		-- run copy from perspective of remote
 		liftIO $ onLocal r $ do
+			ensureInitialized
 			ok <- Annex.Content.getViaTmp key $
 				rsyncOrCopyFile params keysrc
 			Annex.Content.saveState