October 20, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  

The governments of Alberta and Canada are providing $165 million to support livestock producers affected by drought and extreme growing conditions.

Alberta’s livestock producers are vital to the province’s economy. It has been a tough growing season with challenges due to dry conditions causing many of our farmers and ranchers to face extraordinary costs. To help them through this difficult time, the governments of Alberta and Canada are partnering on a 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance response.

Funding for this joint AgriRecovery initiative is cost-shared through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), with the federal government providing $99 million and Alberta’s government providing $66 million. Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) will administer the program.

Sustainable CAP is a 5-year program, beginning this year, and includes a $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs funded 60% federally and 40% provincially-territorially.

Livestock producers with grazing animals will be able to apply for financial support to cover losses they incurred to manage and maintain their breeding herds. For example, eligible producers could access up to $150 per head for breeding animals. Program details are still being finalized with the Government of Canada, and more information will be available soon.