Money Matters

The federal Advance Payments Program (APP) has been expanded to accommodate a wider range of farming enterprises and producers can obtain up to $1 million per program year in advance, under the program.

The Federal and Provincial Governments have announced they are providing $165 million to support livestock producers affected by drought and extreme growing conditions.

It has been a tough growing season for many, with challenges due to dry conditions causing farmers and ranchers to face extraordinary costs. To help them through this time the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada are partnering on a 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance response.

The Government of Alberta announced yesterday, October 18, 2023, that the Persons Case Scholarship is now receiving applications. The scholarship aims to help Albertans studying in fields that advance gender equality.

The Government of Alberta is investing $40 million to help small and medium sized businesses find new ways to lower emissions, reduce energy costs, and grow the economy.

Small and medium sized businesses make up about 96% of businesses in Alberta and employ hundreds of thousands of Albertans, making them an important part of reducing emissions while creating jobs across the province.

October is Women's History Month and, as we all know, Alberta's women are leaders.

During this month, October 8 -14, 2023 is Women in STEM week and accordingly Alberta's government has opened applications for the Women in STEM Scholarship.

The Government of Alberta has expanded the Space Creation Grant for licensed childcare operators to include private childcare operators, to help make childcare more accessible and meet the needs of Alberta families.

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) is a proud supporter of 4-H in Alberta through post-secondary scholarships, support for a variety of provincial programs, and their 4-H Alberta Grassroots Fund.

Through this fund, any new or existing 4-H Alberta sanctioned club can apply for up to $300 to be used to support activities, programs, events or initiatives that fall into the areas of Agriculture/Agri-Food, Education and Outreach, and Community Well-Being. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are allotted.

The Canada Revenue Agency have announced a new tax credit to help offset the cost of adding a secondary unit for senior or disabled family members.

The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC), provides a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for constructing a secondary suite, starting in 2023.

FarmCash is a cash advance program and cash flow management tool offered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to producers across Western Canada, in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Maintoba. It provides marketing flexibility when selling, low interest savings, risk mitigation during the growing season, and resources for wise investing.

The Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) provides Alberta's farmers and agri-businesses with loans, crop insurance, and farm income disaster assistance. For more information on all the funding and insurance programs offered, please visit their website at afsc.ca