Prairie farmers and producers hard hit with excessive moisture and flooding this growing season will receive some extra help from federal and provincial governments. The Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, are making up to $448 million available through the AgriRecovery Program and of that more than $250 million will be directed to Saskatchewan.
"Once again the Federal-Provincial Governments have stepped up to the plate with assistance to producers who despite valiant efforts were not able to get a crop in the ground due to flooded out land and excessive moisture."
"This year was far worse than last year and I do hope that the wet years are behind us."
"It is very frustrating to be spending money to keep the weeds down knowing that there won't be a harvest. Therefore it was very important to have a payment made under the AgriRecovery Program and to have the announcement made on a sooner than later basis," said Komarnicki.
The payment is being administered through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). The $30 per eligible acre payment is available to all Saskatchewan producers who could not get their land seeded by June 20, 2011 or had a crop flooded on or before July 31, 2011. Producers not enrolled in Crop Insurance can also apply for payment. Livestock producers who are coping with the effects of excess moisture this spring and summer can apply for financial assistance to help with the costs of feeding their breeding herd and transporting feed or livestock. Specific program details will be provided by each province.
"This had to be one of the worst years on record, "said Komarnicki, "and I do know that there is a lot of frustration and concern on the part of many farmers especially when it comes to getting ready for next year without a crop in the bin. Money is being spent to keep weeds under control and so any financial assistance at this time is very much appreciated."
In addition to this assistance, existing Federal-Provincial Business Risk Management programs, specifically Crop Insurance, AgriStability and AgrInvest, will help farmers manage the impact of this natural disaster as the first lines of defense to address income shortfalls. The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program will also provide assistance to agriculture producers for several flood related items including feed transportation assistance, pasture rental and spoiled stored grain or feed.
"It is my hope that the AgriStability program will result in payouts given the significant loss of income this year as compared to the income in previous years," concluded Komarnicki.
More information on this per acre payment including application forms can be found at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca Applications are also available at R.M. offices.
