The federal government announced Friday that it and its provincial counterparts have agreed to extend the AgriStability enrolment deadline, citing the pressures and uncertainties facing the agricultural sector.
The extension pushes the program deadline to July 31, 2025, from April 30.
The new deadline gives producers additional time to consider their needs and manage the impact of challenges faced by many farm operations, such as production loss, increased costs and changing market conditions. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support, said a government statement.
Today’s announcement follows Ottawa’s move in March to increase the AgriStability compensation rate from 80% to 90% and doubling the current payment cap to $6 million for the 2025 program year.
The Canadian agriculture sector is experiencing multiple challenges, including tariffs imposed by China. In retaliation for Canadian tariffs on imports of Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum, Beijing last month imposed 100% import duties on canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as 25% tariffs on certain pork, fish and seafood products.
Uncertainty also overhangs trade with the US amid President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Input costs remain stubbornly high for farmers as well.
