The governments of Canada and Manitoba have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 percent to 75 percent for Manitoba producers.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler made the announcement today.
Bibeau says they’re working closely with provinces to get farm families the support they need.
“By unlocking more AgriStability funds through interim payments and invoking late participation, we can get more cash in hand for farmers who are making tough decisions in a difficult situation."
Eichler says he’s been working closely with Manitoba producer groups.
“We are looking for every way we can help in these challenging times. We have taken this additional step to provide our producers with support and this increase allows producers to access a larger portion of their final AgriStability benefit early.”
The interim benefit allows producers who are enrolled in AgriStability to access a portion of their benefit early, to help support losses and cover costs. With this increase, Manitoba producers can apply for an interim benefit to receive 75 percent of their estimated final 2021 benefit, before completing their program year.