Whistler, British Columbia – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced an extension of the deadline for the Livestock Drought Assistance Program. British Columbia livestock producers now have until July 31, 2007 to apply.
“B.C. ranchers have been hit hard by back-to-back natural disasters. Canada’s New Government is aware of the extra challenges they now face because of flooding this season,” said Minister Strahl. “We want to ensure producers have enough time to apply for the assistance available to help cover increased expenses caused by drought in 2006.”
In May, the Government of Canada and Government of B.C. invested $7.5 million towards drought-related initiatives for livestock producers. The federal government is contributing $4.5 million with British Columbia providing $3 million. Of the total funding, $4.5 million is dedicated to direct payments through the Livestock Drought Assistance Program. Drought conditions reduced hay and forage yields by up to 50 per cent in northern B.C. during the summer of 2006. Producers were left with higher costs for feed, water and other expenses.
Discussions are underway today with provinces and territories, at the annual FPT agriculture meeting, on a disaster relief framework for the long term to help producers quickly when disaster strikes.
B.C. livestock producers may request an application through the Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada toll-free line at 1-800-667-8567.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Ted Yeomans
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl’s Office
613-759-1059
