N.S. Distributes Farm Income Support Funding

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--CXN--N.S. Distributes Farm Income Support Funding

Farmers in Nova Scotia can expect to start receiving their share of the province's $4.3 million allotment from the federal Farm Income Support Program by the end of next week.

"This one-time federal funding program will assist numerous businesses in the farming sector," Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage said in announcing the funding.

The $4.3 million is part of an overall funding program of $500 million the federal government will provide to Nova Scotia and other Canadian provinces.

"This money could be used to supplement the producers Net Income Stabilization Account deposits, thus doubling their money and providing future income stabilization." said Mr. Fage. "This funding provides additional support to many Nova Scotia farmers."

Producers enrolled in the Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) program need not apply for the funding, as the department will use information from the NISA administration to calculate their eligibility payments under the program. The method of distribution was developed in consultation with the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

Producers not currently enrolled in NISA must apply for funding under the program. Application forms can be obtained by contacting the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902- 893-6510 or by visiting regional agriculture offices. Non-NISA producers will be required to submit copies of income tax records to verify the information reported. Applications must be received by the Department's Programs and Risk Management section no later than Aug. 15, 2001.

Payments will automatically be sent to NISA participants while non-NISA producers will receive their payment upon receipt and processing of their application.

If there is money remaining after the initial payment, the department will proceed to calculate a final payment to the same group. The second potential payment should be completed by early fall.

"Injecting an additional $4.3 million into Nova Scotia's farming community will help to provide additional economic stability, said Mr. Fage. "This amending agreement provides new money that Nova Scotia farmers did not account for last year."