Changes could be coming for AgriStability participants after agriculture ministers agreed to an optional new model at their annual meeting in Fredericton.
Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said this should make the program simpler and more responsive.
Few details are available, but provinces could choose to use a cash or accrual accounting method, she said during the closing news conference.
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Already facing some community pushback, a proposed 2,000-head cattle feedlot south of Swift Current, Sask., has been rejected for a municipal permit, partly over zoning concerns about the minimum distance from a residence.
A pilot program was successful, she added.
The ministers also discussed piloting AgriInsurance premium rebates for producers who adopt practices that are environmentally beneficial and reduce production risks. Ottawa and interested provinces will continue to evaluate the option of whole farm AgriInsurance, which also could reduce premiums, according to the meeting communique.
They “noted progress” on the announcement last year that producers with allowable net sales of $1 million or more will need an agri-environmental assessment to receive the government portion of AgriInvest. That is set to start in 2025.
“I am also announcing that the federal government will respond positively to the proposal from the maritime provinces to set up a livestock price insurance program based on the model in place in western Canada,” Bibeau said.
Ministers formed a working group on pesticide management after a presentation from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Bibeau said science and evidence-based decisions are critical.
Labour challenges, interprovincial trade, honeybee health, and specified risk materials analysis, with respect to BSE, were also discussed.
The industry updated ministers on the grocery code of conduct progress. An office will be established to provide training, education, dispute resolution services and oversight and signal a more transparent sector. Bibeau said ministers agreed to short-term funding for a grocery advocate office.
The next annual meeting for ministers is next July in Whitehorse.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
