Due to the extreme conditions brought on by heat waves, wildfires, and drought in 2023, many farmers in Alberta have been negatively impacted.
In response to the aggressive nature of such elements, the Government of Alberta and Agri-food Canada have revived the AgriStability program for late participation up until Sept. 29. The program allows farmers to mitigate business risks in response to being affected by wildfires or drought.
According to an Alberta government press release, 2023 has seen a total of 960 wildfires burning within the province, 91 of which are currently active. The Alberta 2023 agricultural moisture situation was most recently updated on Aug. 2, showing a wide range of precipitation throughout the province.
“Due to the recent increase of storm events occurring in the northwest that have been spanning northeast across the province, once-in-50-year wet conditions are being recorded for this area of province,” the government’s release stated. “Contrast to the areas that have not received the recent rains in the south and far northwest corner indicate the other end of the spectrum, with one-in-50-year dry conditions.”
The government states the program provides an opportunity for affected producers to review their files and limit business risks associated with their personal situation. The release continues to mention that the program is offered through Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, which is a commitment including federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
In that same release, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson said the government is aware of the support farmers need. He argued the AgriStability program will help alleviate the business risks accompanied by this year’s circumstances.
“Our government has listened to farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by wildfires and drought. We know they need support options to make it through this growing season,” he said. “Allowing late participation in AgriStability will enable them to reassess their business risks and make an informed decision about signing up to protect their operations and livelihoods.”
Plant Manager of the Kathryn Irricana Beiseker Acme (KIBA) Seed Cleaning Plant, Michael Kenzler, noted six counties have declared a state of emergency due to a lack of moisture this year. He added the majority of the farming done within the area of Rocky View County is dryland, with most not using irrigation.
Kenzler believes there will be roughly a 50 per cent deduction in crop yields this year due to dry conditions in comparison to others. He emphasized the significant impact drought has on Canada’s food production, which is impacting markets around the world.
“I would say it’s going to be about 50 per cent less than average,” he said. “If you got an average 130 bushels barley crop, you’re probably looking at about 60 or 70 this year.”
The government press release notes that enroling in AgriStability may open doors that provide producers access to additional credit options, such as the federal Advanced Payments Program, which offers low-cost cash advances.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay gave encouragement to farmers in a press release, citing their resilience in difficult situations. He argued programs like AgriStability are essential in mitigating risks to those working in Alberta’s ag industry.
“Alberta’s producers have shown great resiliency and the ability to rise to the extreme challenges brought on by wildfires and drought,” he said. “Risk management programs like AgriStability are essential to help producers manage these threats to their operations, and we want to ensure they have the time they need to make decisions that are right for their business.”
Producers in Alberta can sign up for the program through Agriculture Financial Services Corporations (AFSC). The press release encourages farmers and ranchers to sign up if they feel they have been severely impacted. Factors used in determining potential benefits include a reduction of income, expense increases, or a reduction in inventory.
Darryl Kay, CEO of AFSC, acknowledged 2023 has been a difficult year for producers. He noted the positive role his organization has within the agriculture sector in Alberta.
“AFSC is proud of its role in Alberta's agriculture industry and we are working to ensure our producers receive the help they need,” he wrote in the release.
