The Government of Canada has increased total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to address extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought and wildfires.
This includes initial funding of $100 million announced on August 6, 2021.
"Our Government is doing everything it can to support farm families so they can get through these challenges today, and be better positioned for a sustainable future. Today’s commitment of up to half a billion dollars shows we stand ready to contribute our share toward AgriRecovery programs with the provinces. We are united in our goal of ensuring that farmers are fully supported through this crisis,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
This increased funding ensures the federal government is ready to contribute to eligible provincial AgriRecovery costs on the 60-40 cost-shared basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Producers can also apply for interim payments under AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges. The Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75%. British Columbia and Manitoba have also opened up late participation in AgriStability to farmers who did not register in 2021.
In addition to this support, the Government of Canada announced designations for Livestock Tax Deferral on July 22, 2021, and August 6, 2021, for prescribed drought regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
To date, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have announced provincial commitments under the AgriRecovery Framework totaling up to $322 million.
- Alberta has announced a commitment of $136 million.
- Saskatchewan has announced a commitment of $119 million.
- Manitoba has announced a commitment of $62 million.
- Ontario has announced a commitment of $5 million.
- An AgriRecovery assessment for British Columbia is underway, but details of its provincial funding commitment have not yet been announced.
Using the 60-40 cost-shared basis, as outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal share would be up to $482.5 million, not including British Columbia’s planned program. The final federal funding amounts will be for eligible extraordinary costs and will be determined once the joint assessments and program developments are completed.
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