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Canada | Grants
Farmers and ranchers from Western Canada will receive $219 million to face the impacts of drought and wildfires This funding will help them recover and ensure they have the tools they need to continue to be resilient in the face of natural disasters and extreme weather events. 10/26/2023
 Canadian farmer, harvesting wheat.
Recently, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada has allocated $219 million through the AgriRecovery Framework to support farmers and ranchers in Western Canada who are dealing with extraordinary costs due to drought conditions and wildfires. Canadian farmers and ranchers in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have faced a number of challenges this growing season, including drought and wildfires. This funding will help them recover and ensure they have the tools they need to continue to be resilient in the face of natural disasters and extreme weather events. Producers can also apply for interim payments through AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges. Producers have access to a comprehensive suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs—including AgriStability, AgriInsurance, and AgriInvest—that are the first line of defence when facing disasters. The Government of Canada has already supported requests from British Columbia and Alberta for late participation in AgriStability, as well as requests from British Columbia and Saskatchewan to increase the interim payment rate under AgriStability from 50% to 75%. In August 2023, Minister MacAulay also highlighted federal support for British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan with a one-year adjustment to the AgriInsurance program to make more drought-damaged crops available for feed. This increased the amount of crops available for livestock producers in a time of need. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with farmers and producers from across Western Canada and they’ve shared just how challenging this growing season has been for their operations. With a federal investment of $219 million through AgriRecovery, we’re helping them recover so they can continue to feed Canada, and the world.”, said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This summer was an extremely challenging time for B.C.’s farmers and ranchers as we dealt with unprecedented drought and wildfire. We’ve been listening to and working with farmers and ranchers, and providing programs and support that meet their unique needs.”, said Pam Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. The funding will be administered using the 60-40 cost-shared basis, as outlined under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Producers have access to a suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage. AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters. AgriRecovery helps with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster events. AgriStability is one of the BRM programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs, and market conditions. An interim payment under AgriStability is based on estimates of a participant’s program year production margin and reference margin. To receive an interim payment, the participant’s estimated production margins must decline by more than 30% of their estimated reference margin. Participants can apply for an interim payment to access program funds early. During a crisis such as this, farmers facing the stress and uncertainty of providing for their families may suffer serious mental health impacts. Those needing help are encouraged to reach out for support and can contact The Do More Ag Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.
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