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Governments extend AgriStability enrollment deadline

Farmers form the backbone of rural communities across Canada. They are integral to expanding our middle-class and strengthening our economy. Federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) governments remain committed to growing Canada’s agricultural sector by ensuring all farmers have the tools they need to manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, recently announced a two-month extension to the AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2019 program year without penalty, from April 30th to July 2nd, 2019, allowing farmers more time to sign up and benefit from the program.

This exceptional step agreed to by FPT governments will enable the program to help more farmers manage the impact of current market disruptions and production challenges facing many farm operations.

“We continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Canadian farmers and farm families. Together with farmers and our provincial-territorial partners, we’re looking for the best ways to support the sector and to ensure our programs provide farmers with the support they need. Extending the enrolment deadline means more farmers can join and benefit from government support in times of need,” said Minister Bibeau.

As of April 21, 2019, approximately 51,000 producers across Canada were enrolled in AgriStability for the 2017 program year (the last year for which data is available).

Farmers experiencing financial challenges are encouraged to access assistance available under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage risk due to severe market volatility and disaster situations that are largely beyond their capacity to manage. Farmers enrolled in AgriStability may receive support should they experience a large margin decline.