ONTARIO – Following the conclusion of China’s domestic ‘anti-discrimination’ investigation launched against Canada on Sept. 26, China imposed 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as 25% tariffs on certain pork, fish and seafood products.
The agriculture sector is experiencing multiple challenges, including the tariffs imposed by China, trade uncertainty with the United States, and other risks like animal disease, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials state in a press release.
To help producers get through these challenges, on March 22, the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development announced supports for the agricultural sector through AgriStability.
“China’s decision to apply these tariffs will have a devasting impact on our farm families and their communities, Blois states.
“We’re working hard to diversify our trading partnerships and establish new markets, but we know the sector needs support now.
“Today’s announcement is a direct result of their advocacy – and our commitment to them.
“As Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our producers and will defend the sector every step of the way,” Blois states.
“AgriStability offers affordable, whole farm protection to support producers when challenges are beyond their capacity to manage,” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials state.
The additional proposed supports include increasing the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and doubling the current payment cap to $6-million for the 2025 program year.
To get money to producers faster, the Government of Canada has also provided provincial and territorial governments with the option to proactively enter into an agreement to issue interim payments at a higher payment rate and initiate Targeted Advance Payments in the event of tariffs, or for the hog sector in the event of African Swine Fever.
In provinces and territories that adopt these enhancements, it would mean producers enrolled in AgriStability will be eligible to apply for an interim payment up to 75% of their estimated final payment for the 2025 program year.
Additionally, an administrator will be able to establish a Targeted Advance Payment for the 2025 program year, for example, where analysis shows that market disruptions have resulted in a sufficient loss to trigger AgriStability payments for a particular sector or region.
