REGINA, SK – Following the Canadian Government's announcement on March 22, 2025, offering increased AgriStability support to farmers, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is urging the Saskatchewan Government for prompt action and financial aid. This comes in response to China's tariffs on canola oil, canola meal, and peas, which threaten Saskatchewan farmers' cash flow.
Bill Prybylski, APAS President, acknowledges the federal support and emphasizes that “The proposed enhancements to AgriStability are positive steps, but their impact for Saskatchewan producers depends entirely on the Government of Saskatchewan agreeing to and implementing these changes.”
APAS also expressed significant concerns regarding the immediate financial challenges facing farmers. “While AgriStability offers whole farm protection, payments are often received long after significant financial losses have occurred. Saskatchewan farmers will potentially have to borrow a lot of money in the interim to manage critical cash flow due to these market disruptions,” added Prybylski.
To address this urgent need, APAS has directly discussed options with the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, to immediately increase the interest free portion of the Advance Payments Program (APP) to $350,000 as a rapid response measure to provide producers with crucial access to upfront capital in the face of this trade crisis and to assess if AgriInvest can be used to allow farmers access to capital. These immediate actions are essential to help bridge the gap while longer term support measures are being finalized and implemented.
APAS points out the discrepancy in the government's quick and more direct response to the fertilizer tariffs. Then, the APP interest-free limit increased, and substantial funds went to support Eastern Canadian farmers' fertilizer management. The current measures are contingent on provincial consent, which could slow down relief efforts.
Despite these pressing concerns, APAS applauds Minister Blois’s engagement. “We recognize that the Minister’s action-oriented efforts over his first week are very positive and represent more progress than has been seen in recent years,” said Prybylski.
APAS urgently calls on the Government of Saskatchewan to promptly engage with the federal government to formally agree to implement the enhanced AgriStability measures, including the increased compensation rate, higher payment cap, and options for interim and targeted advance payments.
For more information, please contact:
APAS Communications
