AgriStability — Alberta

Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
MEDIUM
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

This program is designed specifically for you, offering a robust safety net for your farming business. AgriStability provides whole-farm protection, ensuring your income is safeguarded against significant declines due to production loss, adverse market conditions, or increased costs. With the compensation rate now increased to 80 cents per dollar of support, you get more substantial financial assistance when you need it most.

Benefits of AgriStability:

  • Whole-farm protection based on your unique farm history.
  • Payments during financial distress, triggered by margin declines over 30%.
  • Access to additional credit options, such as the Advance Payments Program (APP).
  • Affordable coverage at just $315 for every $100,000 of reference margin support.

Applying is straightforward, and the removal of the reference margin limit makes the program more responsive and less complex. Enrolling in AgriStability not only provides peace of mind but also strengthens your business's resilience, ensuring you can weather financial challenges and continue to thrive.

Financing Details

Type of Financing:

  • Loan: The program offers financial support in the form of a loan to help manage significant income declines due to production loss, market conditions, or increased costs.

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

  • The loan requires repayment with a floating rate or fixed rate option, with the choice of principal plus interest payments or blended payments.
  • The repayment period can extend up to 15 years, providing flexibility for businesses to manage their finances effectively.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Allowable expenses include commodity purchases and direct input costs incurred in the farming operation, along with proceeds from agricultural commodity sales and production insurance.

Ineligible Expenses:

  • The funds cannot be used towards expenses that do not directly relate to the farming operation or are not considered allowable under the program guidelines.

Fees:

  • There are associated fees such as a document preparation fee, application fee, and a one-time Federal Government registration fee, which can be financed as part of the loan. An administration fee is also included in the interest rate to cover program costs.

Qualifications

  • Must be farming in Canada.
  • Must have completed six months of consecutive farming activity and a production cycle.
  • Must have reported farming income to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as an individual, corporation/co-operative, or a trust/communal organization.
  • Must have paid the AgriStability fee.

Description

This program provides financial support to help you manage large income declines caused by production loss, increased costs, or market conditions.

You can receive up to 80% compensation for losses exceeding 30% of your farm's reference margin. This means if your farm's income drops significantly, you will be compensated 80 cents for every dollar of decline beyond the 30% threshold.

The program covers a wide range of allowable expenses, including commodity purchases and direct input costs. It also includes proceeds from agricultural commodity sales and production insurance as allowable income. This comprehensive coverage ensures that your entire farming operation is protected.

Affordable and accessible, the program costs only $315 for every $100,000 of reference margin support. Additionally, you can apply for an interim advance to receive a portion of the estimated benefit early, providing you with timely financial assistance when you need it most.

Program Steps

To apply for the program, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Enrollment Form:

    • Visit the program's website and download the enrollment form.
    • Fill out all required fields accurately.
  2. Prepare Required Documentation:

    • Gather the following documents:
      • Recent financial statements.
      • Tax returns for the past three years.
      • Production records.
      • Inventory lists.
      • Proof of farming income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  3. Calculate Your Reference Margin:

    • Use your financial records to calculate your reference margin.
    • This will help determine your level of coverage and potential benefits.
  4. Submit the Enrollment Form and Documentation:

    • Ensure all forms are completed and signed.
    • Submit the enrollment form along with the required documentation to the program office.
  5. Pay the Program Fee:

    • Calculate the fee based on your reference margin.
    • Pay the fee as instructed on the program's website.
  6. Await Confirmation:

    • After submission, wait for confirmation of your enrollment.
    • You may be contacted for additional information if needed.
  7. Apply for Interim Advances (Optional):

    • If you need early financial assistance, apply for an interim advance.
    • Ensure you have completed at least six months of consecutive farming activity.
  8. Maintain Records:

    • Keep detailed records of all farming activities and financial transactions.
    • This will be necessary for future claims and program participation.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the program and take advantage of the benefits it offers to support your business.

Visit Program Website