News
Emergency advances now available to livestock producers

May 23, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada has finalized agreements with producer
organizations and livestock producers can now apply for emergency advances
through the Advance Payments Program (APP). The announcement, which provides
support to the livestock industry, was made today by the Honourable Gerry Ritz,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat
Board.

"The Government of Canada is working
hard for farmers and making programs more responsive to their needs," said
Minister Ritz. "We are pleased agreements are now in place with ten
producer organizations to deliver emergency advances so cattle and hog farmers
can get the cash flow they need."

In February, the government declared that a
state of severe economic hardship exists for the cattle and hog sectors.
Program infrastructure is in place with ten of eleven producer organizations
delivering emergency advances. In Quebec, emergency advances are available now
to pork producers; emergency advances for cattle producers will be in place
this summer.

Changes to the Agricultural Marketing
Products Act (AMPA) in February increased the maximum amount of an
emergency advance from $25,000 to $400,000 to provide more support to the
livestock industry. In conditions of severe economic hardship, certain security
requirements for emergency advances may also be waived. The improved APP makes
an estimated $3.3 billion in advances available to livestock producers.

Eligible producers can apply for emergency advances
under the APP until March 31, 2009. The program is delivered by producer organizations on behalf of AAFC.
For information on how to apply or to obtain an application form, producers can
contact a participating organization directly, visit the APP website at
www.agr.gc.ca/app, or call 1-888-346-2511