AgriRecovery assistance applications open for livestock producers, beekeepers

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 7, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Livestock producers and beekeepers are now eligible for additional government assistance through the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative.

The initiative was originally announced in September of 2021 in response to the exceptionally dry growing season which took place last year. In the first phase – open from Sept. 7 to Nov. 1, 2021 – more than 14,000 Albertans applied for the initiative and received more than $180 million collectively.

The second phase began Jan. 5 and will provide applicable producers an additional sum, intended to total no more than $160 million collectively.

Payments made during the second phase are determined based on need, for which producers must provide “proof of eligible expenses for all livestock with the exception of bees.” Beekeepers may apply for payments to cover up to 70 per cent of feed-related costs with “a maximum amount of $7.50 per hive/colony.”

“Without this significant AgriRecovery response, Alberta producers risked losing their competitive advantage by having to sell off their livestock herds, and making difficult decisions surrounding the health of their animals. This program is providing much-needed relief to producers,” Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner said in a Wednesday press release.

The additional funding will be covered through a 60-40 cost share between the federal and provincial governments as outlined in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Applications are available online on the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s website. The application deadline is set for 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31.

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