The AgriStability enrolment deadline for the 2021 program year has been extended, without penalty, from April 30 to June 30, 2021. The deadline is being extended to allow producers more time to review the program, in light of the recently announced removal of the reference margin limit.
After several months of negotiation, Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Agriculture have removed the reference margin limit for AgriStability. The removal of the reference margin limit is retroactive to the 2020 program year.
Work continues on longer-term reforms to improve business risk management programs, including AgriStability, ahead of the next Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) agreement. The current CAP agreement expires March 31, 2023.
AgriStability Eligibility
AgriStability is a risk management tool that provides protection against large margin declines caused by market fluctuations or increased expenses that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage. AgriStability offers margin protection for the whole farm – consequently, a price reduction in a single commodity may not result in a program payment.
You are eligible for AgriStability if you earn income from the primary production of agricultural commodities. More information on eligibility can be found on the AgriStability eligibility criteria page on the Government of Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food website.
The following individuals or groups can participate in AgriStability:
- Communal organizations
- Co-operatives
- Corporations
- Estates
- Individual farmers
- Landlords in crop or livestock share joint venture
- Limited partnerships
- Partners in a partnership
- Status Indians and Band farms farming on a reserve
- Trusts
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Application for Fee Notice form
Complete the AgriStability 2021 Application for Fee Notice and return it to AFSC by email at info@afsc.ca or drop it off at your AFSC office. You can also return it by mail to Lacombe Central Office; 5718 – 56 Avenue; Lacombe, Alberta; T4L 1B1.
Your request must be made by June 30 if you wish to participate. You do not need to provide any historical farm information or tax information at this stage.
Step 2: Receive your enrolment/fee notice
Once enrolled, you will receive an enrolment/fee notice. You will receive this notice annually for as long as you are in the program.
If you then decide to not participate in the program, you must complete an AgriStability Opt Out Request form by the applicable deadlines. Choosing not to pay the enrolment fee will not remove you from the program.
Step 3: Pay Your Fee
Pay your fee and administrative cost share ($55) by the deadline.
Producers have until June 30, or 30 days after receiving their enrolment notice, to pay their fee without penalty.
Should you miss the initial fee deadline, you have until the final fee deadline of December 31 to pay your fee with a penalty equal to 20 per cent of your fee.
For more information on AgriStability or assistance with the application process, please use Live Chat on our website or AFSC Connect, call our Client Service Centre at 1.877.899.2372 or contact your branch office.
