Applications for phase two of the AgriRecovery initiative open in early January

Applications for phase two of the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative are set to open the first week of January. In phase two, producers can apply for additional compensation (a secondary payment) to help cover extraordinary costs over and above the phase one initial payment.

This two-phased AgriRecovery initiative, which began in September 2021, helps Alberta’s livestock producers address the extraordinary costs incurred due to reduced grazing capacity in 2021 caused by prolonged dry weather and extreme high temperatures. The response provides support and cash flow for Alberta’s livestock producers and beekeepers to cover extraordinary expenses incurred to feed their livestock.

The secondary payment will be calculated using a feed-need calculation, supplemented by proof of eligible expenses, for all livestock with the exception of bees. Proof of expense, if requested by the initiative’s administration, can be receipts or other supporting documentation.

Things to know

• The application for phase two of the initiative will be available in early January 2022. Applications close January 31, 2022.

• The secondary payment covers additional extraordinary costs over and above the initial payment. —These payments will be based on the number of eligible animals on hand as of December 31, 2021.

• Phase two also includes provisions for bee feed assistance. Participants will receive one payment for up to 70 per cent of the extraordinary costs associated with preparing eligible bees for winter. They will receive up to $7.50 per hive to assist with the costs to purchase pollen patties and syrup.

• Producers do not need to have participated in phase one of the initiative to take part in phase two.

• Producers who did not receive an initial payment of $94/head can apply for compensation of up to $200/ head in the second phase. Producers who received the initial $94/head payment can apply for up to a maximum of $106/head for additional extraordinary costs.

• Producers who are claiming additional expenses, beyond the feed need calculation, will need to provide information on the type of expense and the amount of each expenditure.

• Producers do not need to provide receipts as part of the application process. However, they may be required to provide receipts or other supporting documentation if their application is selected for verification. Producers unable to provide proof of expense will be required to pay back any funds paid out.

Getting ready for phase two

Producers can take steps now to ensure they are ready to apply when phase two applications open in early January.

Current AFSC clients can confirm they have an AFSC Connect account and that they are able to access it. They can also sign up for direct deposit, if they haven’t already, for to receive faster payments.

Producers who did not apply for phase one, and who are not current AFSC clients, will need to take some time and complete the AFSC client set up process prior to creating an AFSC Connect account. Please watch our website and social media channels for information on how to start the client registration process.

AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from natural disasters. Eligible costs will be supported on the 60-40 cost-shared federal-provincial basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Additional information on the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance Initiative can be found on the AgriRecovery page at https://afsc.ca/income-stabilization/agrirecovery/