BOWDEN, AB – Alberta’s drought-stricken livestock producers will be eligible for millions of dollars in financial relief.
The province announced Friday that it’s making $136-million available under the AgriRecovery program and has asked the feds to provide an extra $204-million.
If approved, the total amount would be $340 million split 60-40 between the federal and provincial governments.
“We’re supporting our livestock sector during this drought. We secured a commitment from Ottawa to initiate an AgriRecovery program, and now we’re calling on them to fully cover their share of a $340-million program. Agriculture built Alberta and we will ensure our agriculture sector has a level playing field so it can continue to feed Alberta families, and families around the world.” – Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Funding would help provide financial support and immediate cash-flow for livestock producers and beekeepers to purchase feed, water and fencing.
It would provide an immediate payment of $94 per head to help cover feed and water access costs for breeding females across the province. Taking a receipt based approach, a second payment of $106 per head would be allocated later in the year for a total of $200 per head.
The government has also made some temporary changes to grazing and water regulations to open new sources of feed for livestock.
