• The Prime Minister today announced important measures within agriculture programs and an investment of more than $252 million to support farmers, food businesses, and food processors who provide essential services to Canadians every day by ensuring a safe and reliable food supply. He also announced that the government intends to propose an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector. The proposed measures include:
  • A $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE), adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19.
  • An AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19.
  • Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste.
  • A Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry, to local food organizations who are serving vulnerable Canadians.
  • Working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent through AgriStability, a federal, provincial and territorial program that supports producers who face significant revenue declines.
  • Working with provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector.
• Agri-food industry advocates had requested a package of $2.6 billion. We therefore hope that there will be future announcements of additional support for this crucial sector.

Reading recommendations:

• The Rush to Re-Open, Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker
• The Four Rules of Pandemic Economics, Derek Thompson, The Atlantic
• How food supply disruptions from COVID-19 are leading to higher prices for consumers, Jason Kirby, Maclean’s
• Podcast: Covid-19: the psychology of conspiracy theories, Ian Sample, David Waters & Madeleine Finlay, The Guardian

If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.  

It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of aCOVID-19. Remain at home unless absolutely necessary. Minimize contact with other people. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. Maintain a 2-meter distance from others if you are required to be out in public. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Previous updates can be accessed here.

Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.