NDP urges UCP to assure support for farmers following heat wave

Jul 7, 2021 | 2:30 PM

Alberta’s NDP is asking the UCP government to guarantee potential and necessary support to agricultural producers struggling as a result of the extreme heat.

“Crop producers are worried about their yields while cattle producers struggle to feed their livestock,” said NDP Agriculture Critic Heather Sweet, in a press release. “Alberta producers need to have absolute assurance from their government that appropriate steps will be taken to guarantee the protection of the agriculture sector if the impact of the extreme heat leads to a severe drought.”

Sweet wrote a letter to Minister Devin Dreeshen last week outlining concerns she has heard from across the province and asking the government to work cooperatively with all levels of government to secure funding if necessary.

She also highlighted how the recent heat wave should have led the UCP to reconsider their position not to sign the full AgriStability proposal from the federal government.

“It is clear that the full AgriStability deal would be helping producers now. I sincerely hope the anxiety producers are feeling during this heat will make you reconsider your past position and simply get this deal done,” Sweet said.

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According to the Government of Canada’s website, AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It is said to protect Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

AgriStability is described as a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines. Each year, however, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

Officials note, you may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30 per cent.

“If financial support and partnership with other levels of government is needed after a drought,” added Sweet. “Albertans will need better behaviour and action from the UCP to secure federal funding.”

by rdnewsNOW Staff

NDP urges UCP to assure support for farmers following heat wave

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