Resolution

WHEREAS In?the 2013 program year,?AgriStability?program coverage was reduced to 70%?of the historical?reference margin?and?producer’s reference margins were limited to the lower of their historical reference margin?or the average of their allowable expenses reported in previous years; 

WHEREAS The poor coverage levels, lack of predictability and timeliness has caused many producers to leave the program; 

WHEREAS 2019?has reduced agricultural yields, quality,?prices?and marketing opportunities?across Saskatchewan?resulting in a heightened need for an effective business risk program;?and

WHEREAS The next round of programs does not take effect until 2023 and there is an immediate need to address AgriStability shortfalls in the current Business Risk Management program; 

WHEREAS Farm organizations across Canada have come together through the AgGrowth Coalition to submit a united request for restored AgriStability coverage levels and removal of reference margin limits; 

BE IT RESOLVED That APAS support the AgGrowth Coalition request for Federal and Provincial Governments to:

• Increase the AgriStability reference margin from 70 percent to 85 percent;
• Remove the limit that caps coverage on the basis of previous years' allowable expenses;

• Form advisory groups of producers and farm organizations to oversee immediate changes and begin designing a replacement program for 2023 and beyond.