Government Responds to Livestock Industry Concerns

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Government Responds to Livestock Industry Concerns

Nova Scotia livestock producers, who have been suffering from a nationwide downturn in the industry, could receive financial relief by the end of October.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont made the commitment during a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 10, with representatives of the province's cattle, dairy and sheep farmers and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

The meeting was held to discuss the continuing impact of a single incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Western Canada last May.

"These producers expressed genuine concerns about the immediate and long term challenges facing their industry," said Mr. d'Entremont. "We pledged to work with them to address these concerns in a timely manner. The recent signing of the Agricultural Policy Framework agreement will help us address producers' cash flow problems."

A federal/provincial advance payment option will be extended to farmers until the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program can be launched. This option will be rolled into the CAIS program once it is implemented nationally. Qualifying producers, who predict losses for the 2003 production year, will be able to apply for an advanced payment under this program.

The minister said the department will work closely with its federal partners to ensure timely delivery of funding needed to address the short-term cash flow concerns of the livestock sector. The intent is to have applications processed and payments made to producers by Oct. 31.

The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board will also work with individual producers to come up with alternate payment arrangements. The minister said he hopes other lenders will show patience to farmers as well.

"We are pleased this group expressed a willingness to work with us on this issue," he said. "Getting cash to the producers as quickly as possible is of critical importance and the solution arrived at Wednesday's meeting will help producers make it through this difficult time."

The minister invited the meeting participants to return in a month to continue the flow of information between government and industry. Details of the advanced payment program will be released in the coming weeks.