Flood-affected producers in Manitoba’s Interlake region, who are facing immediate financial challenges are being offered a streamlined application process for a higher advance on their AgriStability payment.
“We have met and listened to affected producers and are taking additional steps to help farmers whose land is under water,” said Manitoba agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk.
“More money is going to be available sooner, so that farmers can shift their focus away from the flooding and back to managing their farms.”
Affected livestock and grain producers will be able to complete a simplified form to access 75 percent of their total payment in one cheque.
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AgriStability, together with AgriInvest, is the new program to replace the former Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program.
The provincial government had previously increased the advance payment level to 60 percent from 50 percent. This most recent increase is in recognition of the financial conditions many affected farmers are facing, said Wowchuk.
Higher AgriStability advances follow a commitment of more than $10 million in federal and provincial AgriRecovery funding to assist producers that will be delivered through the Manitoba Forage Assistance Program (MFAP). The province has also announced it will cover the full costs of well water testing in the Interlake.
Any producer in the affected area who has already applied for an advance will automatically be eligible for the higher 75 percent payment. All other producers continue to be eligible for a 50 percent advance.
The assistance provided through MFAP and the higher AgriStability advances are not contingent on the declaration of a state of emergency.
Wowchuk said the provincial Emergency Measures Act only allows authorities to seek additional powers to prevent or limit loss of life or damage to property, such as imposing travel restrictions or carrying out evacuations.
