Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Farmers form the backbone of rural communities across Canada. They are integral to expanding our middle-class and strengthening our economy. The Government of Canada remains committed to growing Canada’s agricultural sector by ensuring all farmers have the support they need to manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced today that crop producers impacted by recent market disruptions may now be eligible for an additional six months to repay 2018 cash advances under the Advance Payments Program (APP).
The Stay of Default, which covers advances on grains, oilseeds and pulses, will provide additional flexibility to repay advances for farmers that may be facing lower prices, reduced marketing opportunities or a decrease in farm cash income. The decision comes following recent changes made by the Government of Canada to strengthen the APP by increasing the maximum loan limit for all farmers to $1 million and the interest-free portion to $500,000 for canola.
The six-month Stay of Default to March 31, 2020, will provide producers with more time to repay their 2018 outstanding advances. The Stay of Default was granted at the request of nine program administrators. The Government of Canada will also continue to pay interest on the interest-free portion of farmers’ outstanding advances until March 31, 2020, for those commodities.
Producers who received a 2018 APP advance from any of the nine participating administrators could be eligible for the Stay of Default and are encouraged to contact their respective administrator for more details.
Participating administrators are the Agri-Commodity Management Association, Alberta Sugar Beet Growers, Alberta Wheat Commission, BC Breeder and Feeder Association, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Corn Growers Association Inc., Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Inc., Producteurs de Grains du Québec and Western Cash Advance Program Inc.
Source : Government of Canada