Applications for interim payments for the second year of the federal farm aid program are now available in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Producers are eligible for 60 percent of their estimated 1999 Agricultural Income Disaster Assistance payment through the interim payment plan.
“The government of Canada made a commitment last June to ensure farmers have the tools they need to get through this difficult economic period,” said agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief in a news release. “Through the interim payment plan we’re delivering on that commitment.”
AIDA officials said last week the interim package contains a “quick calculation” worksheet to help farmers estimate their payment.
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Options available
In Saskatchewan, those who could not seed due to excessive moisture have the option of a payment equal to the greater of $25 per unseeded acre or 60 percent of their estimated 1999 AIDA claim.
Producers who live in flood-affected areas must fill out a supplementary form to choose the interim payment or the $25 disaster payment.
Meanwhile, more than half the Saskatchewan AIDA claims that have been processed have been rejected.
About 28,700 Saskatchewan farmers have applied for aid. Of the 13,400 processed, 7,500 were rejected. The 5,963 approved claims average $11,000 each.
