Canadian canola producers are receiving a financial boost thanks to recent federal amendments to the Advance Payments Program (APP), designed to ease pressures caused by the ongoing tariff situation with China.
Effective September 16, 2025, the Agricultural Marketing Programs Regulations were amended to temporarily double the interest-free portion for canola advances under the APP. These changes apply to both the 2025 and 2026 program years. Farmers now have access to up to $1 million in total financing, with up to $500,000 interest-free. This includes $250,000 interest-free for any eligible commodity and an additional $250,000 interest-free specifically for canola.
Vice-President of Finance & APP Operations at the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) Dave Gallant says they started issuing advances under the new limits immediately. Over 1,800 farmer accounts were automatically adjusted to reflect the increased interest-free amounts.
“We are responding quickly so that all farmers can benefit from this change,” Gallant said. “There will be a handful where we may need to talk to the farmer… and if we do, we will contact them directly.”
Overall, the Advance Payment Program has issued nearly 8,000 advances for a total of $2 billion. CCGA expects several hundred million dollars more to be distributed as harvest concludes. Demand for the program is already up 2% compared to last year, with $150 million more issued.
Gallant expects to see more farmers take advantage of the extra interest-free amount available to them and maximize as much as they can under the interest-free if they have canola in their bins.
To qualify, producers must have harvested grain in storage. For canola, the advance rate is $286 per ton. Once farmers have grain in the bin, they can contact CCGA at 1-866-745-2256 or complete their application online at ccga.ca.