The federal government, provinces, and territories have made a key change to AgriStability that will benefit producers.
Given the pressures and uncertainty facing the agricultural sector, they have agreed to extend the 2025 AgriStability enrolment deadline from April 30th to July 31st.
The extension gives producers more time to evaluate their needs and the potential impact to their farming operation for production losses, increased costs, and changing market conditions.
This is the second change to the program as farmers deal with tariff issues.
In March, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Kody Blois increased the AgriStability compensation rate to 90 per cent and doubled the $3 million payment cap for 2025.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says our government is doing everything it can to support Manitoba producers as they make it through today’s challenges and prepare for the future.
“With stress and uncertainties beyond their control, extending this deadline will provide producers additional time to protect their margins from production loss and market disruptions, and help to manage the impact of challenges facing their farm operation.”
Kostyshyn says these products are excellent tools that allow producers to protect against fluctuating markets and interest rates.
Saskatchewan's Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison says, managing risk is crucial for the success of agriculture in our province.
"The uncertainty of current market disruptions and tariffs reinforces the importance of our business risk management programs. Saskatchewan supports extending the enrolment deadline for the existing AgriStability Program. It provides producers with additional time to evaluate their risk management options. I advocated for this change, along with my provincial and territorial counterparts; and I remain committed to furthering this dialogue regarding any potential proposed changes."
Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support.
Full details and instructions are available at www.agr.gc.ca/agristability.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada administers the AgriStability program in Manitoba. Program administration can be reached at 1-866-367-8506.
In Saskatchewan, the AgriStability program is administered by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance application forms, and more information can be found here.
In Alberta, the AgriStability program is administered by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation application forms, and more information can be found here.