In a rare show of bilateral cooperation, Alberta and Ottawa will team up to provide long-awaited financial relief for drought stricken livestock producers.The governments of Canada and Alberta are providing a combined $165 million in immediate funding to help feed breeding herds over the winter in response to lost grazing days due to this summer’s wildfires, drought and even hail.Under an established cost-sharing formula, the federal government will chip in $99 million with Alberta contributing the remaining $66 million through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC).Eligible producers could access up to $150 per head for breeding animals to cover losses and maintain breeding herds..We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach. This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures, and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables around the world.Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.Although its primarily aimed at beef producers, all manner of grazing animals including bison, sheep and even horses are covered under the program.Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson said it’s part of his government’s commitment to food security. The AFSC will begin accepting applications starting next week.“We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach. This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables around the world,” he told a press briefing in Calgary on Friday.In addition, the federal government will kick in $219 million to be split between Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC. The funds were announced by Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal.“This shared support will help producers cover some of the extraordinary costs they have faced this year. It will help them recover from this terrible season and get back on their feet,” he said..Alberta’s beef industry was worth about $4.7 billion in 2022.Beginning this year the federal government introduced the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which provides $3.5 billion over five years including $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs split 60/40 between Ottawa and the provinces.Sheila Hillmer, vice-chair, Alberta Beef Producers, said the livestock program was meant to be a once-in-15-year effort, but this is the second time in the past 10 that emergency measures have been implemented.“We really don't want to be here again. Like all small business owners, we hold our livelihood. Our business is so volatile and unpredictable. So therefore we need disaster insurance programs that are not agriculture and agri food Canada,” she said.“The Government of Alberta, Agriculture Finance Services Corporation and Alberta beef producers need to align on the immediacy of this need and ensure accessible and equitable programming is available in 2024.”
In a rare show of bilateral cooperation, Alberta and Ottawa will team up to provide long-awaited financial relief for drought stricken livestock producers.The governments of Canada and Alberta are providing a combined $165 million in immediate funding to help feed breeding herds over the winter in response to lost grazing days due to this summer’s wildfires, drought and even hail.Under an established cost-sharing formula, the federal government will chip in $99 million with Alberta contributing the remaining $66 million through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC).Eligible producers could access up to $150 per head for breeding animals to cover losses and maintain breeding herds..We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach. This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures, and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables around the world.Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.Although its primarily aimed at beef producers, all manner of grazing animals including bison, sheep and even horses are covered under the program.Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson said it’s part of his government’s commitment to food security. The AFSC will begin accepting applications starting next week.“We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach. This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables around the world,” he told a press briefing in Calgary on Friday.In addition, the federal government will kick in $219 million to be split between Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC. The funds were announced by Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal.“This shared support will help producers cover some of the extraordinary costs they have faced this year. It will help them recover from this terrible season and get back on their feet,” he said..Alberta’s beef industry was worth about $4.7 billion in 2022.Beginning this year the federal government introduced the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which provides $3.5 billion over five years including $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs split 60/40 between Ottawa and the provinces.Sheila Hillmer, vice-chair, Alberta Beef Producers, said the livestock program was meant to be a once-in-15-year effort, but this is the second time in the past 10 that emergency measures have been implemented.“We really don't want to be here again. Like all small business owners, we hold our livelihood. Our business is so volatile and unpredictable. So therefore we need disaster insurance programs that are not agriculture and agri food Canada,” she said.“The Government of Alberta, Agriculture Finance Services Corporation and Alberta beef producers need to align on the immediacy of this need and ensure accessible and equitable programming is available in 2024.”
