Question Period Note: SUPPORTING FARMERS

Producers have had a difficult harvest and are grappling with trade issues. In addition, Business Risk Management programs don’t work. What will you do about this?

1. The Government understands that many producers are dealing with challenging weather conditions during their harvest, as well as difficulties with exports to some markets.

2. We are working closely with industry and provinces to resolve market access issues and we are exploring opportunities to open new markets for Canada’s high quality agricultural products.

3. We are providing financial support through Business Risk Management programs, including through changes to the Advance Payments Program with increased loan limits and interest-free amounts.

It has been a tough harvest in many parts of the country. Many producers are dealing with challenging weather conditions this year, as well as difficulties with exports to some markets.

Significant acres of cropland in western Canada will likely not be harvested due to delayed harvesting and the onset of winter. The combination of delayed development throughout the year, drought and significant precipitation during harvest resulted in widespread crop degradation across western Canada.

The Government is closely monitoring these conditions and is working with provincial and territorial partners to help impacted farmers recover and remain strong.

Numerous concrete actions have already been taken. For example, the Government has:
• made changes to the Advance Payments Program that helps farmers manage their cash flow by increasing the maximum loan limit for all farmers to $1 million and the interest free portion to $500,000 from $100,000 for canola;
• provided a two-month extension to the AgriStability enrollment deadline allowing farmers more time to sign up and benefit from the program;
• increased the interim payment rate under AgriStability to ensure cash flow for cattle producers in the Interlake region of Manitoba;
• announced a Stay of Default for crop producers impacted by recent market disruptions; and,
• started a joint assessment under the AgriRecovery Framework for the Cariboo region of British Columbia, which have been impacted by overland flooding.

You will meet with provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture on December 17 to discuss industry concerns surrounding Business Risk Management programs.

The Government of Canada also remains focused on trade and on exploring opportunities to open new markets for Canada’s high quality agricultural products.

The Government of Canada is committed to rules-based international trade and has continued to advocate on behalf of Canadian farming families since China raised concerns over Canadian canola earlier this year.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has resumed issuing export certificates to China for compliant beef and pork products processed on or after November 5, 2019, from all establishments eligible to export to China.

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