Next phase of support for Alberta livestock producers

Livestock producers and beekeepers can now apply for phase two of the Canada-Alberta Livestock )eed Assistance Agri5ecovery initiative.

In response to severe drought conditions, the governments of Canada and Alberta worked together to rapidly deploy the Canada-Alberta Livestock )eed Assistance Agri5ecovery initiative, which has already helped thousands of livestock producers cover their extraordinary costs.

The second phase of this initiative, which opens -an. , provides continued assistance to eligible Alberta producers, who were hit hard by the drought. Together, the initial and secondary payments will put up to million into the hands of producers to help them address the extraordinary costs incurred feeding their livestock during the

drought.

“2ur government has been Tuick to get producers the support they’ve needed during this last year of climate-change related challenges. Those in Alberta faced serious drought, so we worked collaboratively with our provincial counterparts on programs like Agri5ecovery to help producers recover and focus on herd health.” MarieClaude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-)ood

In phase two of the CanadaAlberta

Livestock )eed Assistance initiative, producers can apply for additional compensation a secondary payment to help cover costs over and above the phase one initial payment. Due to prolonged dry weather and extreme high temperatures, many producers experienced reduced gra ing capacity causing a severe economic hit.

“Alberta experienced exceedingly dry conditions this growing season, putting undue stress on the farmers, ranchers and producers who keep us all fed. Without this significant Agri5ecovery response, Alberta producers risked losing their competitive advantage by having to sell off their livestock herds, and making difficult decisions surrounding the health of their animals. This program is providing much-needed relief to producers.” 1ate orner, Minister of Agriculture, )orestry and 5ural Economic Development

4uick facts

3hase one of the CanadaAlberta Livestock )eed Assistance initiative was open from 6ept. to 1ov. , and provided an initial payment to producers.

The initiative received , applications paying out more than million so far under phase one.

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. Eligible beekeepers can be compensated for up to

per cent of the extraordinary costs associated with feed pollen patties or syrup reTuired to prepare eligible hives for winter to a maximum of . per hive colony.

Agri5ecovery is a federalprovincial-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 - costshared federal-provincial basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural 3artnership.