Payments Enhancing Receipts
Explanatory notes for programs which existed prior to 2007 can be found in the discontinued Direct Payments to Agriculture Producers publication (21-015-X).
Agricultural Revenue Stabilization Account (ARSA) (2000 to 2002)
The objective of the Agricultural Revenue Stabilization Account program was to offer a risk management tool to farming operations in Quebec, based on the operation's gross income. To this effect, the program established two individual funds, for contributions from participants and La Financière agricole du Québec and made provisions for withdrawals from these funds to compensate for reductions in farm income. The ARSA was a program developed and administered by La Financière agricole du Québec.
Following the introduction of the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program, La Financière agricole du Québec terminated this program in the 2002 program year. Consequently, participants had five years to make withdrawals from their account, at an annual minimum of 20% of the government contribution held on February 1st, 2005.
Agriculture Wildfire Response Grant (2023)
The program provided a one-time grant of $2,500 to registered farmers located in the mandatory evacuation zones in Halifax Regional Municipality and Shelburne County. The payment helped with some immediate financial needs.
AgriInvest (2008 to present)
This program was created under the Growing Forward policy framework (2007-2013) and has continued under Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023) and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (2023-2028). AgriInvest replaces part of the coverage that had been available under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program and operates similar to the former Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) program.
Through government and producer contributions, AgriInvest provides cash flow to help producers manage small income declines, as well as provide support for investments to mitigate risks or improve market income. Producers can deposit up to 100% of their Allowable Net Sales, with the first 1% matched by governments. The limit on matching government contributions is $10,000 per AgriInvest account. AgriInvest is administered by the Federal government in all provinces except Quebec.
Agri-Québec (2011 to present)
Agri-Québec is a self-directed risk management program offered to all farming and aqua-farming operations in Quebec. The program allows participants to deposit an amount in an account under their name, in order to receive matching contributions from La Financière agricole du Québec. Participants can then withdraw the funds from the accounts, based on their operational needs. Agri-Québec is managed jointly by the provincial and federal governments, as it is similar and complimentary to AgriInvest.
Agri-Québec Plus (2015 to present)
The Agri-Québec Plus program offers additional financial assistance to eligible operations. Agri-Québec Plus complements AgriStability by offering a coverage level of 85% of the reference margin rather than 70%. The program covers agriculture products that are not covered or not associated with the ASRA program (Farm Income Stabilization Program) and are not supply-managed. Participation in the program is linked to the respect of environmental requirements.
AgriRecovery (2008 to present)
The AgriRecovery framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business Risk Management (BRM) tools under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (replacing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership since 2023).
AgriRecovery was designed to provide quick, targeted assistance to producers in case of natural disasters, with a focus on the extraordinary costs producers must take on to recover from disasters. Federal and provincial governments jointly determine whether further assistance beyond existing programs already in place is necessary, and what form of assistance should be provided. AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government and participating provinces or territories. The assistance provided will be unique to the specific disaster situation and often unique to a province or region. Examples of programs included in AgriRecovery are the 2017 and 2018 Canada-BC Wildfire Recovery Initiatives, and the 2017 Canada-Quebec Hail Assistance Initiative.
AgriStability (2007 to present)
This program was created under the Growing Forward policy framework (2007-2013) and has continued under Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023) and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (2023-2028). AgriStability was developed as a margin-based program that provides income support when a producer experiences a large margin decline. AgriStability has replaced part of the coverage that had been provided under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program.
AgriStability is delivered in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon by the Federal government. In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, AgriStability is delivered provincially.
AgriStability Program Enhancements (2021 to present)
Through the Prince Edward Island Agriculture Insurance Corporation, the Department of Agriculture and Land announced some important changes to the AgriStability Program. These changes provide increased support to all producers for the 2021 and 2022 program years:
- The coverage level is being increased to 85% from 70%, reducing the margin loss a producer must incur to trigger a payment.
- The compensation rate is being increased from 70% to 80% of the loss covered.
- The 20% late participation penalty for the 2021 program year is covered and paid by the province.
All changes are 100% covered by the PEI government, including the federal portion of the cost-share.
Assiniboine Valley Producers Flood Assistance Program (2007 to 2011)
This Province of Manitoba program provided financial assistance for Assiniboine Valley agricultural producers who experienced crop loss or the inability to seed a crop in 2005 and 2006 along the Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Brandon, due to flooding. This program also provided assistance in 2011, following flooding in 2010.
These programs were managed through the Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation (MASC).
Beef Herd Renewal and Improvement Program (2022 to present)
The objective of this program is to grow, renew and improve the New Brunswick beef cow herd. Applicants are eligible for financial assistance of $300 per retained bred heifer above a 5% replacement rate. Eligible numbers of heifers are determined based on current mature cow numbers, defined as cows that have already had at least one calf. Included as payments in the series «Direct Program Payments to Producers» is the compensation paid for the basic herd growth.
Beekeepers Financial Assistance Program (2014)
Due to harsh winter conditions in Ontario in 2014, and other pollinator health issues, Ontario's bee colonies experienced higher than normal mortality rates. To help offset these losses, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food provided one-time financial assistance of $105 per hive to beekeepers who had 10 hives or more and lost over 40 per cent of their colonies between Jan. 1, 2014, and Oct. 31, 2014.
British Columbia Raspberry Replant Program (2022 to present)
The B.C. Raspberry Replant Program is a cost-sharing funding program which is intended to revitalize, regenerate and increase the competitiveness of the B.C. raspberry industry in local and global markets. This program is being delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food with input from the Raspberry Industry Development Council.
Canada-Ontario General Top-Up Program (2005 to 2007)
This was a special top-up payment program which provided whole farm coverage to the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program participants in Ontario, who were automatically enrolled. All commodities eligible for CAIS payment were covered under this program. In order to qualify, participants must have experienced a decline in their program year production margin as calculated by the CAIS Program Administrator and been eligible to receive the government portion of the CAIS payment. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs were responsible for the overall administration of the program.
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program (2004 to 2008)
The CAIS program was available to producers across Canada and provided assistance to those producers who experienced a loss of income as a result of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or other factors. The program integrated stabilization and disaster protection into a single program, helping producers protect their farming operations from both small and large drops in income.
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Inventory Transition Initiative (CITI) (2006 to 2007)
CITI was a one-time federal government injection of $900 million into Canada's Agriculture and Agri-food industry. The funds were delivered to producers by recalculating how the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program valued inventory change for the 2003, 2004, and 2005 CAIS program years.
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Ontario Inventory Transition Initiative (2006 to 2019)
The Ontario Inventory Transition Payment was an additional one-time payment from the province of Ontario, for the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program participants, as it transitioned to a new method of valuing inventory for CAIS.
Compensation for animal losses (1981 to present)
Formerly a program under the Animal Disease and Protection Act, this compensation program is now administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in accordance with requirements established under the Health of Animals Act. Producers in all provinces are compensated when farm animals infected with certain contagious diseases are ordered to be slaughtered. Compensation also includes applicable transportation and disposal costs and compensation for animals injured during testing.
Cost of Production Payment (COP) (2007 to 2010)
This program helped non-supply managed commodities producers with the rising cost of production. This federal program was based on producers' net sales for 2000-2004 (or in the case of new producers: payments were based on average net sales for 2005-2006).
Cover Crop Protection Program (CCPP) (2006 to 2008)
The CCPP was a Government of Canada initiative designed to provide financial assistance to agricultural producers who were unable to seed commercial crops as a result of flooding in the spring of 2005 and/or 2006.
Crop Insurance (1981 to present)
Crop Insurance (now referred to as AgriInsurance) is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that stabilizes a producer's income by minimizing the economic effects of production losses caused by natural hazards. AgriInsurance is a provincially delivered program to which the federal government contributes a portion of total premiums and administrative costs. Premiums for most crop insurance programs are cost-shared: 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the federal government and 24 per cent by the province, while administrative costs are funded by governments, 60 per cent by the federal government and 40 per cent by the province.
AgriInsurance plans are developed and delivered by each province to meet the needs of the producers in that province. AgriInsurance helps to cover production losses as well as losses from poor product quality. Both yield and non-yield based plans are offered. These plans cover traditional crops such as wheat, corn, oats and barley as well as horticultural crops such as lettuce, strawberries, carrots and eggplants. Some provinces also provide coverage for bee mortality as well as maple syrup production. The provinces constantly work to improve their programs by adjusting existing plans and implementing new ones to meet changing industry requirements.
Crop Loss Compensation (1981 to present)
Crop loss compensation programs are generally one element of a province's Wildlife damage compensation programs, which can also include separate Waterfowl damage and Livestock predation programs. This Big Game program reduces the financial loss incurred by producers in these provinces from wildlife damage to eligible crops and can include compensation for wildlife excreta contaminated crops and silage in pits and tubes. In some provinces damage to honey producers and leafcutter bee products is also included.
Also see Livestock predation compensation, Waterfowl damage and Wildlife damage compensation programs.
Cull Animal Program (2003 to 2006)
This program was intended to assist farmers with the additional cost of feeding surplus animals while the US border was closed to Canadian animals over 30 months of age. With the goal of discouraging on-farm slaughter and encouraging movement of mature animals to domestic markets in an orderly fashion.
Cull Breeding Swine Program (2008)
This federally funded program for 2008, administered by the Canadian Pork Council, was designed to help restructure the industry to bring it in line with market realities. The objective was to reduce the national breeding herd size by up to 10% over and above normal annual reductions. Producers were eligible to receive a per head payment for each animal slaughtered as well as reimbursement for slaughter and disposal costs. Producers had to agree to empty at least one barn, and not restock for a three-year period.
Dairy Direct Payment Program (2019 to present)
The objective of the Dairy Direct Payment Program is to support dairy producers as a result of market access commitments made under recent international trade agreements, namely the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In August 2019, the federal government announced that it will make available $1.75 billion to supply-managed milk producers. Up to $345 million in direct payments was made available in 2019-2020.
In November 2020, the government announced the payment schedule for the remaining $1.405 billion in direct payments over the next three years.
Starting Fall 2023, the program will make available $1.2 billion over 6 years to account for the impacts of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) has been mandated to deliver the program.
Drought Assistance for Livestock Producers (2007 to 2008)
This program was enacted in 2007, to assist livestock owners in Northern B.C. who suffered economic hardship in 2006 due to drought. Drought conditions in the summer of 2006 reduced hay and forage yields by up to 50% and producers were left with higher costs for feed, water and other expenses.
Eurasian Wild Boar Transition Assistance Initiative (2021 to 2022)
The purpose of this Initiative was to provide financial support to producers of EWB to assist them in transitioning out of the production of EWB and into other forms of production. The need for this type of financial support arose out of the passage of a regulation under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 that designated Ontario as an invasive species control area for wild pigs, including the possession and movement of EWB.
Farm Emergency Response Grant Program (2022 to 2023)
A one-time grant of $2,500 was sent to registered farms in Central, Northern and Eastern Nova Scotia that experienced financial losses due to infrastructure or crop damage, livestock loss or extended power outages due to Hurricane Fiona. Funding was also available to registered farms that experienced storm damage outside the most impacted regions.
Fed Cattle Set Aside Program (2005 to 2006)
The program was part of a national strategy to assist Canada's cattle industry to reposition itself to help ensure its long-term viability.
Financial Assistance for Replanting Apple Orchards (2020 to 2022)
The financial assistance for replanting apple orchards program was implemented to support the apple industry during the transition period following the termination of the Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program coverage.
The program was intended to support development of the apple industry from a sustainable development perspective, as a complement to other government assistance available to the apple industry.
More specifically, this program was intended to provide financial support to apple businesses in their apple orchard replanting projects.
Eligible businesses could receive financial assistance of $5,000 per replanted hectare for up to four hectares. If the business was deemed eligible for one of the grants under the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers on the date that they submitted their application to the program, the assistance was increased to $6,250 per eligible hectare.
Fiona Agricultural Disaster Assistance Program (2023)
Farmers could apply for financial assistance to help cover extraordinary operational costs caused by Hurricane Fiona. The Fiona Agricultural Disaster Assistance Program provided a one-window financial response to help the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia recover from Hurricane Fiona.
Fiona Agriculture Support Program (2023 to present)
The Fiona Agriculture Support Program provides financial support to the agriculture industry in Prince Edward Island where extraordinary costs have been incurred associated with agricultural infrastructure, crops, and livestock due to Fiona that are not covered by existing Business Risk Management (BRM) programs and other federal or provincial programs.
Frost loss Program (2018-2019)
The Frost Loss Program helped Nova Scotia Farmers recover from crop and financial losses from the frost in June 2018.
This program provided financial assistance in addition with other Business Risk Management programs that were available, such as AgriInsurance.
Golden Nematode Disaster Program (2007 to 2009)
The objective of this program was to assist producers affected by Golden Nematode with the costs of disposing potatoes and a per hectare support payment to assist potato producers and producers of nursery and greenhouse crops with extraordinary costs not covered under existing programs. The program was funded by the federal government.
Grains and Oilseeds Payment (GOPP) (2006)
The Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program was a one-time program for producers of grains, oilseeds, or special crops, to help address the severe economic hardships they were facing.
Hazelnut Renewal Program (2020 to 2023)
This provincially funded program provided funds to remove infected trees to mitigate the spread of Eastern Filbert Blight and to provide incentives for the planting of new disease-resistant hazelnut trees in British Columbia.
Types of Program Funding:
- Hazelnut Renewal: Funding to provide incentives for the planting of new Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) resistant hazelnut trees in British Columbia.
- Removal of EFB Infected Hazelnut Trees: Funding to remove infected trees to mitigate the spread of EFB and to protect new orchards.
Hog Transition Fund (2008)
This program was designed to assist Nova Scotia hog producers who were having financial difficulties due to declining market prices in 2006-2007. The program was administered through Pork Nova Scotia.
Lake Manitoba Flood Assistance Program (2011 to present)
This program was designed to provide financial compensation to crop and livestock producers affected by the flooding of Lake Manitoba in 2011. Part A - Lake Manitoba Pasture Flooding Assistance Component and Part B - Lake Manitoba Transportation and Crop/Forage Loss Component, are included. This program is funded entirely by the provincial government.
Livestock Insurance Programs (1991 to present)
The Livestock Insurance Programs include a number of provincially administered livestock insurance programs. These programs include:
The Cattle Price Insurance Program (2009 to present), designed to provide Alberta cattle producers with an effective price risk management tool reflective of their risk. As of 2014, this program is now referred to as the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.
Dairy Livestock Insurance (1991 to present), implemented to assist Nova Scotia producers when a number of cattle were lost due to disease outbreaks. The program continues to exist for situations resulting in a significant loss in production, causing a loss of revenue.
The Hog Price Insurance Program (2011 to present), designed to provide Alberta hog producers with protection against unexpected declines in Alberta hog prices, over a defined period of time. As of 2014, this program is now referred to as the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.
Livestock Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador (1991 to present) compensates producers for the death or injury to sheep, goats, dairy cattle or beef cattle caused by dogs or other predators.
Livestock Insurance in Prince Edward Island (2009 to present) offers two types of coverage: compensation to cattle producers for the death of an animal due to disease, as well as compensation to dairy producers whose production levels fall beneath a set threshold, causing a loss of income.
The Overwinter Bee Mortality Insurance (2012 to present) insures Manitoban beekeepers against unmanageable wintering losses, including weather-related damages, diseases and pests. As of 2014 the data for this program is included in Crop Insurance.
Poultry Insurance (2008 to present) compensates Nova Scotia producers for the loss of poultry (which includes broilers, breeders, breeder pullets, layer pullets, commercial layers and integrated layers) to the disease infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT).
The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) (2014 to present) is a business risk management program where producers can purchase price protection on livestock in the form of an insurance policy and is available to producers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Livestock Predation Compensation Program
Manitoba (1999 to present) - This program compensates livestock producers in Manitoba for losses from injury or death of eligible livestock that resulted from losses due to natural predators such as black bear, cougar, wolf or coyote. Compensation is available to 100% of the assessed value of the animal, for a confirmed loss due to predation and to 50% of the value for a probable loss. In respect for livestock injured, the payment will be the lesser of the veterinary treatment or the value of the livestock. The government of Manitoba pays 60% of program payments and the Government of Canada 40%. Administration costs are cost-shared 50/50 between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba.
Saskatchewan (2010 to present) - Under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, the Saskatchewan Compensation for Livestock Predation compensates producers for livestock killed or injured by predators. The first 80 percent of the program funding is cost-shared by federal and provincial governments. The provincial government contributes the remaining amount. The program is administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation. Other components of the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program include Waterfowl damage compensation and Crops loss compensation (reported separately).
Also see Crop loss compensation, Waterfowl damage and Wildlife damage compensation programs.
Manitoba Ruminant Assistance Program (2008)
This one-time payment for 2008, funded jointly by the province of Manitoba and the federal government, allowed cattle producers to receive a direct payment of up to 3% of historical net sales. The payment, administered by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), was provided to all ruminant producers and was in proportion to the size of the producer's livestock operations.
Manitoba Spring Blizzard Livestock Mortalities Assistance Program (2011 to 2012)
The 2011 Manitoba Spring Blizzard Mortalities Assistance program provided assistance to Manitoba producers who experienced livestock losses following the blizzard that hit April 29th and 30th, 2011. Compensation was provided for animal deaths that occurred, as a result of the storm, between April 29th and May 5th, 2011. This program was funded and administered by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.
Marketing and Vineyard Improvement Program (MVIP) (2015 to 2016)
This program provided funds for eligible vineyard improvements to enable growers in Ontario to produce quality grapes in order to respond to the growing demands of Ontario wine manufacturers and to adapt ongoing and emerging vineyard challenges. This payment was overseen by Agricorp (a provincial crown corporation) and was created under the Wine and Grape Strategy to promote Ontario VQA (Ontario's Wine Authority) and support vineyard production improvements. Only certain non-capital payments to producers were included in the Direct payments data series (e.g., wine grape vine removal, land preparation, etc.).
Measure to support grain corn producers in mitigating the impact of the 2019 rise in propane prices in Québec (2020)
The measure to support grain corn producers in mitigating the impact of the 2019 rise in propane prices in Québec was meant to help reduce the repercussions on grain corn production due to the rise in prices of propane which is used to dry grain corn. This measure covered grain corn not yet harvested by November 19, 2019, the date when Canadian National Railway employees went on strike.
Financial assistance was provided in the form of a maximum flat rate of $23.50 per hectare of eligible grain corn areas for up to $50,000 per farm business.
Montérégie flooding assistance program (2011 to 2012)
This program provided financial assistance to agricultural enterprises affected by the floods of spring 2011, in the Richelieu valley. Compensation was offered to producers for loss of income due to flooded farmland, and/or losses due to unseeded acreage.
Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) (1991 to 2009)
The Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) was established in 1991 under the Farm Income Protection Act.
The purpose of NISA was to encourage producers to save a portion of their income for use during periods of reduced income. Producers could deposit up to 3% of their Eligible Net Sales (ENS) annually in their NISA account and receive matching government contributions. The federal government and several provinces offered enhanced matching contributions over and above the base 3% on specified commodities. All these deposits earn a 3% interest bonus in addition to the regular rates offered by the financial institution where the account is held.
Most primary agricultural products were included in the calculation of Eligible Net Sales (sales of qualifying commodities minus purchases of qualifying commodities), the main exception being those covered by supply management (dairy, poultry and eggs).
The NISA account was comprised of two funds. Fund No. 1 which held producer deposits while Fund No. 2 contained the matching government contributions and all accumulated interest earned on both Fund 1 and Fund 2. Included as payments in the series «Direct Program Payments to Producers» were the producer withdrawals from Fund 2.
Nova Scotia Beef Kickstart Program (2008)
This one-time payment for 2008 provided funding for Nova Scotia's beef industry with the goal of helping the sector move toward greater economic self-sustainability.
Nova Scotia Margin Enhancement Program (2007 to 2008)
This initiative introduced in 2006, was a provincial initiative that provided additional income support to Nova Scotia producers. Using 2003 CAIS program data, reference margins of CAIS participants were increased by 10%.
Ontario AgriStability Top Up Program (2022 to present)
The purpose of the Program is to help offset losses resulting from factors beyond the control of farmers in Ontario, including those as a result of increased market uncertainty exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, by providing Ontario's forty percent (40%) share of an increase of ten percent (10%) to the maximum Payment Benefit provided under AgriStability.
Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Program (OCHHP) (2008)
This one-time payment for 2008, funded by the province of Ontario, was to assist farmers suffering from multiple financial pressures due to the stronger Canadian dollar, and lower market prices. Payments for cattle and hog producers were based on 12% of their historic allowable net sales, while payments for horticulture were based on 2% of allowable net sales.
Ontario Cost Recognition Top-up Program (2007 to 2010)
This program was a 40% matching provincial contribution to the federal Cost of Production Payment Program. This program was a direct payment to producers in recognition of rising production costs over the previous few years. The Ontario Top-Up Program payments were distributed after the payment details regarding the federal program were released.
Ontario Duponchelia Assistance Program (2008)
The purpose of this initiative was to provide financial support to horticulture producers in the Niagara Region of Ontario affected by Duponchelia, a reportable pest. The initiative provided a federal share (60%) of financial compensation to assist these producers in addressing plant replacement costs and in dealing with extraordinary expenses incurred due to quarantine measures imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment (2006)
This one-time payment compensated Ontario producers of edible horticulture crops for losses experienced on their 2005 crop.
Ontario Edible Horticultural Support Program (2018-2019)
This program provided financial support to Ontario producers of edible horticulture products (small and medium-size agricultural operators) to adjust to the changing small business environment. This program was funded by the Government of Ontario and the payments were based on net sales of edible horticulture. Self-Directed Risk Management Program participants were enrolled automatically.
Ontario Special Beekeepers Fund (2007 to 2008)
The Special Beekeepers Fund, enacted in June 2007, provided direct compensation to beekeepers who suffered higher than normal hive losses during the winter of 2006. The assistance was designed to help bring Ontario's bee population back to near-normal levels, and beekeepers back to normal business.
PEI Pollination Expansion Program (2021 to 2022)
The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Land established the PEI Pollination Expansion Program to support the sustainable increase of local honey bee colonies that were available for the pollination of wild blueberries and other fruit crops and the advancement of the beekeeping sector through strategic industry initiatives.
PEI Potato Seed Recovery Program (2020)
The purpose of the Potato Seed Recovery Program was to offset extraordinary costs and a loss in revenue for Island seed potato producers impacted by the pandemic. This payment was a $1.19 million fund and was a provincially funded program.
Perennial Crop Renewal Program (PCRP) (2023 to present)
The Perennial Crop Renewal Program (PCRP) is a program funded by the Government of BC through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (AF) and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF). This program supports producers to remove unproductive, diseased, or unmarketable cultivars and to adopt growing systems that are better suited to environmental conditions and market demands funded. Only Stream 2 (Removal Projects) and Stream 3 (Sector-Specific Planting Projects) are included in the series «Direct Program Payments to Producers».
Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program (2023 to present)
The objective of the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery program is to address the immediate need of the industries in Nova Scotia who were affected by the February 2023 Polar Vortex weather event, including soft berry fruits, grapes, and fruit trees. In Phase 1, stream 1 provided virus testing support for grapes and stream 2 provided maintenance recovery for eligible crops.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Programs (PED)
Prince Edward Island (2014) - The Prince Edward Island PED program provided financial aid to hog farmers for increased sanitation and screening measures to help combat the pig virus. This was a cost-shared program between the federal and provincial governments under Growing Forward 2. The program was administered by the PEI Hog Board.
Québec (2015 to present) - Emergency Fund Program in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Swine Delta Coronavirus (SDCV) in Québec. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to affected operations, up to a maximum of $20,000 per production site, to cover certain additional expenses required to combat this disease and prevent it from spreading. The program is financed by La Financière agricole and administered by the Québec swine health team (EQSP). The fund has a maximum budget of $400,000.
Portage Diversion Fail-Safe compensation program (2014 to 2015)
This program was designed to provide financial assistance to Manitoba agricultural producers affected by the 2014 flooding due to the operation of the Portage diversion fail-safe. This program was fully funded by the Manitoba Government and administrated by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).
Post-tropical Storm Dorian Response Program (DRP) (2020-2021)
The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Land had established the Post-tropical Storm Dorian Response Program (DRP) to provide financial support to corn, crambe, and tree fruit producers who had incurred extraordinary costs due to Dorian which were not covered by existing Business Risk Management programs.
Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) (2008 to 2010)
This MAPAQ (ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) program granted financial support to Quebec feeder hog operations affected by Post Weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS).
Prince Edward Island Beef Industry Initiative (2007 to 2008)
This one-time payment for 2008 was designed to assist beef producers in Prince Edward Island to adjust to current market conditions and develop improved quality in their herds. The program provided immediate assistance to producers to help mitigate risk and provided genetics and enhanced herd health incentives. Payments were based on a combination of their average net sales and December 2007 inventory.
Prince Edward Island Hog Transition Fund (2008)
This program was designed to reduce hog numbers through a buyout program. It provided funds for producers to transition out of hog production.
Privately funded programs
Private hail insurance (1981 to present)
Private Hail Insurance is purchased by agricultural producers to protect themselves against the loss of their crops due to hail. Hail insurance is privately funded through producer premiums and producers may have the option to extend coverage for damage to crops due to loss through fire, depending on the insurance provider.
Other Private Programs (2011 to present):
Alberta Hog and Cattle Levy Refund (2011 to present)
In May 2011, Alberta Pork announced it would refund 85 cents for every dollar of levies it had collected from producers during the 2010-2011 fiscal year to assist producers coping with rising feed costs and small profit margins.
Legislation regarding levies in Alberta also changed in 2011. Levies for pork, beef, lamb, and potato producers had been mandatory until a change is legislation gave these producers the right to ask for a refund of the levies paid. Since that time, estimates for the hog and cattle levies refunded have been produced.
Heinz payment (2013)
Due to the closure of the Ontario Heinz processing plant in 2013, Heinz has paid a one-time 'goodwill' payment to compensate the farmers that were under contract to deliver processing tomatoes in 2013. The payment was to help offset costs that farmers may have incurred in preparing for the 2013 crop.
Provincial Stabilization Programs (1981 to present)
Under provincial stabilization programs, payments are made in order to support producer incomes affected by small profit margins, or low prices, for selected commodities. Provincial stabilization programs are partly funded by the provincial government, either directly through the subsidization of producer premiums, or indirectly by absorbing a part, or the whole, of the cost of administering the program. These programs are optional, and producers are required to pay premiums in order to participate.
Farm Income Stabilization Program (ASRA) (1981 to present)
The Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program is designed to guarantee a positive net annual income to producers in Quebec. Producers participating in the program receive funds when the average selling price falls below a stabilized income, which is based on the average production cost in a specific sector. ASRA is complementary to AgriStability, but participation in AgriStability is not mandatory. Payments under ASRA decrease in accordance to amounts paid out through AgriStability. ASRA premiums are partially funded by the provincial government, which pays two thirds of the cost of premiums, while producers pay the remaining third.
Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) (2007 to present)
ORMP is a provincial program that offers compensation to Ontario producers for losses of income caused by fluctuating market prices and rising production costs. Commodities eligible for compensation include a variety of grains and oilseeds, as well as certain livestock, including cattle, calves, hogs and sheep. The program also offers compensation for unseeded acres, under certain conditions. In order to participate in this program, producers must also participate in AgriStability, as well as Production Insurance (for grains and oilseeds). Payments made under ORMP count as an advance on the provincial portion of AgriStability for the corresponding program year. Because ORMP is provincially funded, it has no impact on the federal portion of AgriStability payments. ORMP premiums are partly funded by the provincial government, which pays 40% of the cost of premiums, while producers pay the remaining 60%.
Saskatchewan Cattle and Hog Support Program (2009)
This program helped producers retain their breeding herds and address immediate cash flow needs.
Saskatchewan Feed and Forage Program - 2011 (2011 to 2012)
This program provided compensation to producers who had to transport additional feed to their livestock or transport their livestock to alternate locations for feeding and grazing, due to feed shortages caused by excess moisture. In addition, financial assistance was provided to producers who had to reseed hay, forage or pasture land that had been damaged by excess moisture. This provincially-funded program replaced the initial 2011 Saskatchewan Feed and Forage Program (2010-2011), which was jointly offered by the provincial and federal governments, as part of AgriRecovery.
Self-Directed Risk Management (SDRM) (2005 to present)
SDRM is a provincial program designed to help Ontarian horticultural producers manage farm operation risk. Under the program, over 150 edible horticultural crops are eligible for coverage, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs and spices, nuts, honey and maple products. To be eligible, producers must also participate in AgriStability, and meet the minimum amount of allowable net sales (ANS). Participating producers can deposit up to a maximum of 2% of their ANS into an account, and have their contribution matched by the provincial government. Payments made under SDRM count as an advance on the provincial portion of AgriStability for the corresponding program year. Because SDRM is provincially funded, it has no impact on the federal portion of AgriStability payments. Amounts received under Production Insurance for a crop also covered by SDRM will be deducted from SDRM payments.
Shoal Lakes Agriculture Flooding Assistance Program (2011)
The purpose of this program was to provide financial support to agriculture producers affected by chronic flooding in the Shoal Lakes Complex in the Interlake of Manitoba.
- Land payments on a per acre basis were provided to farm operators to compensate for lost income related to agricultural production that cannot be realized due to flooded acres in 2010 and 2011.
- Financial assistance for transportation costs incurred between April 1, 2011, and March 15, 2012, to those farm operators who needed to transport feed to livestock or livestock to feed, due to the flooding.
This payment was administered by the Manitoba Agriculture Corporation (MASC), with the assistance of Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives (MAFRI).
Soil Building for Seed Potato Producers Program (2023)
The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture established the Soil Building for Seed Potato Producers Program to assist in the planting of soil-building crops or extended perennial crops in fields originally intended for seed potatoes in 2023.
Support program for apple orchard replanting in Quebec (2007 to 2010)
The first component of this MAPAQ (ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) program offered replanting help in order to improve efficiency, profitability as well as competitiveness. The objective of the second component was to compensate apple producers for the loss of apple trees due to winter-kill (frost) in 1994.
Support Program for the Eradication of Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervids (CWD) (2019 to present)
This program implemented by La Financière agricole du Québec offers financial aid to cervid producers affected by the measures taken to eradicate CWD.
There are two categories of aid under this program:
- The first compensates cervid producers ordered to slaughter and dispose of animals under the Animal Health Protection Act.
- The second financially supports cervid producers required to implement sanitary measures stipulated under the Animal Health Protection Act.
Surplus Potato Management Response (2022)
The Surplus Potato Management Response was cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments and aimed to support PEI potato farmers impacted by trade disruptions. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board delivered the plan on behalf of the governments to manage potatoes that had been rendered surplus. Only the Destruction Program was included in the Direct payments data series. The growers received up to 8.5 cents per pound to assist with the costs of environmentally-sound destruction of surplus potatoes.
Transitional Production Adjustment Program (1996) (1993 to 1997 and 1999 to 2008)
Under the Tree Fruit Revitalization Program, British Columbia orchardists were guaranteed specific annual revenue per acre during the first three years, following replant of orchards to new high density tree fruit varieties.
Tree Fruit Replant Program (previously known as Tree fruit grafting/budding and replant program) (2008 to 2011, 2012 to 2021)
In 2008, the Transitional Production Adjustment Program ended, and the Tree fruit grafting/budding and replant program started. In July 2007, the federal and provincial governments jointly announced that they were investing $8 million to help British Columbia's tree fruit and grape industries adapt to changing markets. The cost was shared (60% federal, 40% provincial) and the program lasted for three years. In 2012, the provincial government invested an additional $2 million to replant tree fruit orchards to expand domestic markets through high-quality products by targeting the planting of premium varieties. The program, which also included a grafting and budding component, concluded in 2014. The 2015 program was the first year of a 7-year commitment by British Columbia of $8.4 million announced in Nov 2014. This was a British Columbia Agriculture Department program that shared the administration of the program with the British Columbia Fruit Growers Association under contract until 2016.
2019-2020 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program (2019 to present)
The British Columbia government is offering greater coverage to farmers who have lost income due to weather, trade challenges or natural disaster. The Program includes:
- Increasing the compensation rate, for all farms, from 70% to 80% on income margin losses greater than 30%. In other words, B.C. will be adding 14.3% to every AgriStability payment.
- An AgriStability payment is triggered when a producer's current margin (allowable income less allowable expenses) drops more than 30% below their average historical margin (referred to as Reference Margin).
- Eliminating the Reference Margin Limit (RML) which reduced compensation for some farms.
- Farms which have wide margins due to low eligible expenses will no longer have their compensation reduced due to the RML.
Unseeded Acreage Payment - 2006 (2006 to 2007)
This program provided a payment to Saskatchewan farmers who experienced excess moisture conditions prior to June 20, 2006 and were unable to seed 95% of the acres they would normally intend to seed.
Waterfowl Damage (1981 to present)
Waterfowl damage payment programs are designed to compensate producers for crop losses caused by waterfowl. Compensation is also available for cleaning excreta contaminated grain in some provinces, and for prevention management.
Also see Crop loss compensation, Livestock predation compensation and Wildlife damage compensation programs.
Wildlife Damage Compensation Program
British Columbia (2002 to present) - The British Columbia Wildlife Compensation program is part of an Agricultural Environment Partnership Initiative that includes the following programs: The Waterfowl Damage to Forage Fields in Delta, Wild Predator Loss Control and Compensation Program for Cattle and East Kootenay Agriculture Wildlife Pilot Project. These programs are designed to compensate producers for the losses incurred to crops and livestock due to wildlife.
New Brunswick (2014 to present) - This cost-shared program compensates producers who suffer livestock or crop losses due to wildlife. Compensation is available for specified crops and livestock for damage caused by eligible wildlife. The maximum compensation per producer is $50,000 per year. The New Brunswick Agricultural Insurance Commission (NBAIC) administers this program, applicants are not required to be an insurance client to receive compensation.
Nova Scotia (2008 to present) - This cost-shared program, announced in 2008, will help address some of the risks experienced by Nova Scotia farmers regarding damage to eligible agricultural products because of the activities of wildlife, including wildlife predation on livestock and damage to crops. Applicants are not required to have crop insurance.
Ontario (2008 to present) - The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants whose livestock and poultry have been injured or killed by wolves, coyotes, bears and other species of wildlife identified in the program guidelines, or whose bee-colonies, bee-hives and bee-hive related equipment have been damaged by bears, raccoons, deer and skunks. The program was funded by the provincial government up to the fiscal year of 2008/2009 and became part of Growing Forward - a federal, provincial and territorial initiative starting from fiscal year 2009/2010, when cost-sharing of the program began between the governments of Canada and Ontario.
Also see Crop loss compensation, Livestock predation compensation and Waterfowl damage programs.