The federal and provincial governments are working to ensure Ontario livestock producers who faced feed shortages after last summer’s drought conditions have the time they need to purchase and ship hay for their animals.
On March 15, the governments announced the deadline to transport forage under the Canada Ontario Forage Livestock Transportation Assistance Initiative has been extended by 11 weeks. Farmers will now have until June 1 to transport forage, and then until June 14 to submit their forms to Agricorp.
The initiative was originally announced on Dec. 14, making almost $2.4 million available to help affected livestock producers in designated drought areas of eastern and southwest Ontario purchase feed for their breeding herds over winter.
Livestock producers are eligible for:
– up to 14 cents per tonne, per kilometre to assist with the transportation of forage; or
– up to .075 cents per kilometre, per animal, to move animals to available feed
This initiative is part of the AgriRecovery Framework, which allows governments to respond to unforeseen disasters that result in extraordinary recovery costs for producers. It is one of many existing government programs, including AgriInsurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest, which are designed to help producers deal with income and production losses.
The federal government is also providing tax deferrals to eligible producers in designated drought areas on the sale of their breeding livestock.
In 2012, total government support to the livestock sector through existing business risk management programs is estimated to be $147 million, including $106 million from the Ontario-funded Risk Management Program, $20 million from AgriStability, $16 million from AgriInvest, and $5.35 million through the Production Insurance Forage Rainfall Plan.
“This extension will ensure Ontario’s livestock producers have the support they need to continue to winter their herds and get ready for spring. We will continue to work constructively with the Province in the best interests of Ontario farmers,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Gerry Ritz.
“When Ontario’s livestock producers told us they needed more time to access forage for their herds, we listened. Extending this deadline until the pastures are ready will provide some of the help they need after last year’s difficult season,” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is also Ontario’s and Minister of Agriculture and Food.
For further information on initiative and how to apply, visit Agricorp at www.agricorp.com.Continued on next page
