Advance Payments Program for Livestock Producers

May 28, 2008

OTTAWA, Ontario – The Government of Canada has finalized agreements with producer organizations, and livestock producers can now apply for emergency advances through the Advance Payments Program (APP). The announcement, which provides support to the livestock industry, was made on Friday by the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.

“The Government of Canada is working hard for farmers and making programs more responsive to their needs,” said Minister Ritz. “We are pleased agreements are now in place with ten producer organizations to deliver emergency advances so cattle and hog farmers can get the cash flow they need.”

Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray - Athabasca also expressed his pleasure over the new announcement.

“The past few years have been tough on some farmers in my constituency. Many have been asking for both a long-term solution and short-term assistance and I am very proud that our Government is delivering real solutions with real results,” said Jean.

In February, the government declared that a state of severe economic hardship exists for the cattle and hog sectors. Program infrastructure is in place with ten of eleven producer organizations delivering emergency advances.

Changes to the Agricultural Marketing Products Act (AMPA) in February increased the maximum amount of an emergency advance from $25,000 to $400,000 to provide more support to the livestock industry. In conditions of severe economic hardship, certain security requirements for
emergency advances may also be waived. The improved APP makes an estimated $3.3 billion in advances available to livestock producers.

Eligible producers can apply for emergency advances under the APP until March 31, 2009. The program is delivered by producer organizations on behalf of AAFC. For information on how to apply or to obtain an application form, producers can contact a participating organization directly,
visit the APP website at www.agr.gc.ca/app, or call 1-888-346-2511.