Farmers and their spouses could each receive up to $16,000 in benefits for training to improve the farm or launch a new business under the Canadian Agricultural Skills Services.
CASS, open to families with net incomes of $45,000 or less, is the last section of the agricultural policy framework signed between federal and provincial governments, said Wendy Collinge, assistant regional manager for renewal programs with Agriculture Canada.
“Each province has a different approach and time frame,” she said, noting Prince Edward Island will be among the first to launch the program that will run until 2008.
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Saskatchewan’s program will begin by mid-April, but dates are not yet known for other western provinces.
Cyril Laforge, renewal specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Prince Albert, said the farmer will start with an individual learning plan, a one-day skills assessment and an interview with a career counsellor.
“They’re looking to increase the family income of that couple, either by farming better or differently, by starting a new business or by getting an off-farm job,” said Laforge.
Farmers and spouses could access courses in business management, accounting, finance, human resource management and skills development for the farm, for other employment or to start a new business.
The training can be used for non-degree programs up to 24 months in duration like the University of Saskatchewan’s school of agriculture, he said.
The maximum benefits, which include tuition, textbooks, travel costs, replacement labour for the farm and child care, will vary as follows:
- Incomes of less than $35,000 are eligible for benefits up to $16,000.
- Incomes of $35,001-$40,000 can get $12,000.
- Incomes of $40,001-$45,000 can get $8,000.
For more information on startup dates in specific provinces, go to www.producer.com and type “renewal” in the go box.
