Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s minister of agriculture and irrigation, announced $165 million in funding to support livestock producers affected by drought and extreme growing conditions during a press conference in Calgary Oct. 20.
The governments of Alberta and Canada are providing the funding to farmers and ranchers who have faced extraordinary costs due to dry conditions.
Sigurdson said to help them through this difficult time, the provincial and federal governments are partnering on a 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance response.
“Many Alberta livestock producers have faced multiple challenges this growing season. This year's drought and excessive heat has resulted in our ranchers facing extra costs due to lost grazing days,” he said.
“We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach. This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures, and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables around the world.”
Funding for the initiative is cost-shared through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with the federal government providing $99 million and Alberta’s government providing $66 million.
Sustainable CAP is a five-year program, beginning this year, and includes a $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
This investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs funded 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially.
Livestock producers with grazing animals will be able to apply for financial support to cover losses they incurred to manage and maintain their breeding herds. Eligible producers could access up to $150 per head for breeding animals.
Program details are still being finalized with the federal government, and more information will be available soon.
