ABP supports proposed changes to AgriStability

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) strongly encourages the Government of Alberta to accept the AgriStability changes proposed by Minister Bibeau. In November 2020, Minister Bibeau put forward recommendations that offered the federal portion of funding to remove the Reference Margin Limit (RML) and increase compensation rates from 70 to 80 percent. Over the last few months, ABP has met with Minister Dreeshen on several occasions to discuss the importance of accepting these changes.

ABP supports the proposed changes to AgriStability, as the current program provides limited support to lower cost structure sectors, such as cow calf. Many cow calf operations produce their own feed and have non-arm’s length expenses, which make their operational costs appear lower. The RML prevents these operations from triggering compensation unless they suffer devastating drops in yearly program revenue. Alberta’s beef producers need a more reactive risk management tool that is equitable across all agriculture sectors.

ABP will continue to lobby the Government of Alberta to bring federal dollars to Alberta’s beef sector by accepting these AgriStability changes.