Governments extend safety net for farmers

“Getting in on agri-stability now could be a real help for some farmers.” Rob MacLean

Due to the damage Island farmers incurred from the abnormal amount of frost in June, the federal and provincial governments have agreed to trigger the late participation mechanism under agri-stability.

The frost caused widespread crop damage across the Island and resulted in significant income challenges for a number of producers.

The late participation mechanism, a new feature introduced under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, allows producers to join and benefit from the program after the enrolment deadline has passed in situations where there is a significant income decline in the farm sector and a gap in participation.

David Mol, president of the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, said it’s a step in the right direction.

“The federation has pushed hard with our commodity members seeking government assistance to help producers affected by the late frosts of June,’’ Mol said.

Rob MacLean, president of the P.E.I. Wild Blueberry Growers Association, said the killing frost in June reduced yields for many wild blueberry growers at a time when they were already getting record low payments.

“Getting in on agri-stability now could be a real help for some farmers,’’ MacLean said.