AgriStability enrollment an option for farms anticipating financial hardship

By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, OFA

If your farm business is anticipating financial hardship this year due to the impacts of COVID-19 or for any additional reason, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes this might be the year for Ontario farmers to strongly consider enrolling in the AgriStability program.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recently announced the deadline to enroll in the AgriStability program for 2020 has been extended from April 30 to July 3. The extension is meant to offer farm businesses additional time and flexibility to make informed decisions and assess their program coverage needs. In Ontario, AgriStability is administered by Agricorp.

OFA recognizes and understands that funding cuts to AgriStability made under the Growing Forward 2 framework reduced the utility of the program and resulted in many farmers discontinuing their enrollment. However, farm businesses across the province are facing increased challenges and pressures due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment in the program may be able to help offset increased farm operation costs, market unpredictability, and production losses.