British Columbia (Rural Roots Canada) – Upgrades to the AgriStability program in B.C. will provide more financial support to farmers.

The changes are in response to ongoing international trade concerns and extreme weather issues.

In a release, the governments of B.C. and Canada say that with ongoing global trade pressures and challenging growing conditions, producers can use the help.

“Now is the time for unity,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a release. “We agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.”

AgriStability is a low-cost program designed to help farmers handle big income losses due to weather, low yields, rising costs, or bad market conditions.

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The changes, which kicked in on Friday, July 25, include increasing the compensation rate from 80% to 90%, meaning producers will get 90 cents for every dollar of eligible income decline; doubling the compensation cap from $3 million to $6 million; and advancing interest-free payments for up to 75% of their anticipated final claim.

Farmers have until Thursday, July 31, to enroll in the AgriStability program for 2025. Application details can be found here.

Jennifer Woike, president of the B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC), welcomes the changes, saying the program has been crucial in helping ag producers navigate uncertainty. “The improvements take into account the practical considerations that producers must apply to their operations as they respond to market and environmental challenges,” she says.

There are almost 2,500 farmers enrolled in B.C.’s AgriStability program, with costs shared by both British Columbia and Ottawa.