British Columbia farmers will see stronger financial support through the AgriStability program thanks to collaborative changes from both federal and provincial governments. The enhancements aim to provide greater income protection amid growing environmental and market pressures.
Federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers recently met virtually and agreed on updates to the 2025 AgriStability program.
“Now is the time for unity, and we’re working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“That’s why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.”
Effective July 25, 2025, the updated AgriStability program includes:
- An increase in the compensation rate to 90%, meaning 90 cents are paid for every dollar of eligible income loss.
- A higher compensation cap, doubling from $3 million to $6 million to better support larger agricultural operations.
- Provision of interest-free advances up to 75% of the anticipated final claim.
B.C. farmers have until July 31, 2025, to enrol in the 2025 program.
“We raised concerns we have been hearing from farmers here in B.C. at a national level, and our advocacy is resulting in improvements to AgriStability so B.C. farmers can continue to produce high-quality local food,” said Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food.
“B.C. led the way on this initiative, making these very same changes to our program last year. It’s great to have the federal government partner with us this year to continue to support farmers.”
“B.C. Agriculture Council welcomes these enhancements to the AgriStability program, which plays a critical role in supporting agricultural producers navigate uncertainty,” said Jennifer Woike, president, B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC).
AgriStability, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, helps producers recover from major income declines caused by poor crop yields, increased input costs, or shifting markets.