8 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | May 2024 Beyond the Barn Farm organizations continue to react positively to another increase in the interest-free portion of the Advanced Payments Program (APP). In March, federal ag minister Lawrence MacAulay confirmed that the 2024 interest-free limit to the Advanced Payments Program would be $250,000. The program is available for over 500 crop and livestock products in Canada, allowing farmers to access cash advances up to $1,000,000. Advances are calculated as 50 per cent of the anticipated market value of the product. In recent years, exceptional circumstances saw the government increase the interest-free portion of the advance from $100,000 to $250,000 in 2022 and $350,000 in 2023. “In the face of so many challenges, our hardworking producers continue to show their resilience and produce top-quality products for Canadians, and the world. Increasing the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program means improved cash flow and savings for farmers as we head into the 2024 planting season,” said MacAulay in a release. The interest-free portion was anticipated to return to $100,000 for the 2024 year and agricultural organizations have been lobbying to maintain it at $350,000. “The Advanced Payments Program is an important tool in the toolbox for farmers across the country to access short-term financing for their farm business,” said Drew Spoelstra, OFA president. “We are at a critical point in time with high costs of production, inflation, elevated interest rates and falling commodity prices, and we’re grateful for the Government of Canada’s response by increasing the interest-free portion of the APP to $250,000 annually.” These comments were included in an OFA release, which estimated that this increase could save Ontario producers $18,000 in interest costs in 2024 if using the full interest-free portion. “Given the costs facing farmers are only expected to increase, we hope this change can set a new permanent baseline for interest-free advances and that the APP will continue to make adjustments that keep pace with rising farm expenses in the coming years,” commented Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. BF - Emily Croft Emily Croft photo FARM GROUPS SUPPORTING INCREASE A FARMING LIFE: SIDNEY ATKINSON Farmer, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and comfort to many. Born June 29, 1958; died Dec. 6, 2023. When Sidney (Sid) Atkinson was in Grade 10, he took most of the school year off to expand his family’s dairy barn. His teachers told him he would fail his classes, but he aced his exams and passed “with flying colours.” “That was dad,” said son Mark Atkinson. “Whatever he put his mind to, he conquered.” Sid purchased the family farm from his father and expanded his dairy operation to 1,000 acres over the years. “He joined many different farming organizations and kept his finger on the pulse of what was happening in the industry. “He was extremely well known because of how vocal he was. He was always certain to get his point across. He wasn’t a yes-man, but he could argue with someone the whole meeting and still go out and have a nice supper with them after.” Sid was also active in his local church and provided support for his fellow community members. “He would have homeschooled kids come to the farm once a week and he taught them the basics of farming and other life skills,” said cousin Rod DeJong. “People always confided in him because he was wise and thought things through. “He was a friend to anyone. Between his research and the things he knew, he found a way to relate to everyone and blossom a friendship,” said Mark. “When he passed, it was the biggest funeral this community had ever seen. It was a blessing to be a son of his.” BF - Leslie Stewart Sidney (Sid) Atkinson
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