Ottawa, ON – The federal government is prepared to make meaningful improvements to AgriStability, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to acknowledge the Minister’s efforts and urge consensus among the federal and provincial agriculture ministers to enact changes to support Canada’s farmers.
“We would like to thank the Minister for pushing through an increase in funding available from the federal government,” said GGC chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “We know that, in these tumultuous times, support for this change would have taken a lot of work amongst her cabinet colleagues, and we appreciate her efforts in getting these approvals.”
The proposal from Minister Bibeau, presented at the 2020 Federal – Provincial – Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meetings, would increase the compensation rate under AgriStability from 70 to 80 per cent and remove the reference margin limit.
Along with the reference margin limit removal, GGC and its industry partners have asked for AgriStability coverage to cover losses starting at 85 per cent.
While GGC recognizes the unique fiscal challenges faced by the provinces as they consider the next steps for this important business risk management program, we reiterate that agriculture is more than worth the investment in order to drive an economic recovery – and support the food security of Canadians.
“Farmers face uncertainty from everywhere – from the punishing weather to the whims of international trading partners – and we need a predictable, bankable support system for when times get tough,” added Nielsen.
“We hope that our ag ministers keep this in mind as they consider the federal government’s proposal – and come up with a solution that works for everyone.”
Source : GGC