CCA thanks Government of Canada for up to $500 million AgriRecovery funding increase to support farmers and ranchers facing extreme weather

“Alberta Beef Producers would like to recognize the commitment to AgriRecovery announced by Minister Bibeau. As the high temperatures and lack of moisture continue to devastate pastures, feed sources, and water across a large portion of the province, we are hopeful that this federal funding will aid producers to cope with the difficult decisions ahead. ABP is committed to working with government to develop solutions to maintain as much of the mother cow herd as possible. The federal government’s support will aid in attaining this goal,” says Dr. Melanie Wowk, Chair, ABP

Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased that today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that the Government of Canada has increased total AgriRecovery funding up to $500 million to address extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought and wildfires. This includes the initial funding of $100 million announced on August 6, 2021.

“We thank Minister Bibeau for attaining further funding to help beef farmers and ranchers dealing with widespread severe drought and wildfires. This will provide the much-needed support to help producers manage through their difficult situations” said Bob Lowe, CCA President.

To date, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have announced provincial commitments under the AgriRecovery Framework totaling up to $322 million. CCA is pleased that today’s announcement matches the required 60 per cent from the federal government and additionally have shown willingness to further action as needed. An AgriRecovery assessment for British Columbia is underway, although details of its provincial funding commitment have not yet been announced.

In addition to today’s AgriRecovery announcement, on July 22, 2021 and August 6, 2021, the Government of Canada also announced and added regions to the early designation for the livestock tax deferral for impacted producers. CCA was pleased with these previous commitments and will continue to advocate for the livestock tax deferral to become multi-year and to allow producers to self-elect when they require a tax deferral. CCA also successfully advocated for increased federal support for AgriInsurance to make drought-damaged crops available for feed to help beef producers and for enhancements to AgriStability.

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 per cent to 75 per cent, helping producers access a greater portion of their benefit early to meet their urgent needs. British Columbia and Manitoba have also opened up late participation in AgriStability.

“In difficult times we need to have multiple effective tools available for producers so that they can best manage through the drought and wildfires for their operations. We’re pleased that we have been able to work with the Federal Government on adapting AgriRecovery, AgriStability, AgriInsurance and Livestock Tax Deferrals to address the severity of this situation,” said Lowe.

As this is a continually evolving urgent situation, CCA will continue to work closely with Minister Bibeau and the provincial governments through our provincial members on program details and communicate them to producers when available. 

For further information, contact:

Tammy Melesko
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca 

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